Imagine a city of green space, engaging store fronts and sidewalks, an urban oasis where you can sit and re-connect with the world or take in nature.  In cities around the globe Friday, September 21st, artists, activists and citizens will transform metered parking spaces into temporary public parks and other social spaces, as part of an annual event called “PARK(ing) Day.”

This year’s PARK(ing)Day theme in Lowell is “LoWellness.” A call for input from local artists, who submitted concepts related to health, fitness, or mindfulness were selected to bring their vision to the metered spaces. Local artists Chummeng Soun and Mary Hart have been selected to commission their artistic vision around the LoWellness theme. UnXPlored Studio is the selected artist for the Merrimack Street Parklet. The installation is inspired by mindfulness, meditation, and mental health and will include an activity for all ages to participate in. Mary Hart is the selected artist for the Market Street Parklet. Her concept is inspired by health and includes a colorful sculptural garden.