Seven organizations joined the county’s Department of Transportation’s Division of Parking Management Friday to celebrate PARK(ing) Day in downtown Silver Spring.

The day is described as “an annual, global event that encourages the temporary transformation of parking spaces into enjoyable, parklike spots [and] encourages people to rethink the urban landscape, their transportation choices and how infrastructure can be more transit-oriented, bikeable and walkable.”

In the meantime, Takoma Beverage Co. became the first business in Takoma Park to take advantage of a permitting program allowing them to permanently rent a parking space from the city and use it for additional outdoor seating for its customers.

According to an announcement from Main Street Takoma, “This parklet extends Takoma Beverage Co.’s sidewalk cafe into the street offering more seating and creating a lively, festive location on the block where Takoma Beverage Co. may offer its full menu—from breakfast to late night drinks and light bites.”

Barriers have been set up to protect the space and meet county regulations for outdoor alcohol service. The expanded seating will be available every day except Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. when the Takoma Park Farmers Market fills Laurel Avenue.

For PARK(ing) Day, residents, businesses and groups were encouraged to be creative and take over street parking spots with plants, games, displays or other activities to reimagine the spaces and transform the urban setting.

Participating in this year’s PARK(ing) Day in Silver Spring were Torti Gallas + Partners, CREATE Arts Center, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Van Eperen, Toole Design Group, DOT’s Commuter Services and Joe’s Record Paradise.

Photo of the new seating area in front of Takoma Beverage Co. courtesy Main Street Takoma.