More than 100 architecture and construction students participated in the worldwide Park(ing) Day to transform 21 parking spaces at the Career and Technology Center (CTC). Park(ing) Day is when people temporarily repurpose parking spaces and convert them into public parks and social spaces to encourage people to come together and interact while advocating for safer, greener places.
"I experienced Park(ing) Day for the first time while at Architecture School in Puerto Rico," CTC Architecture teacher Ana Paola Vazquez-Rosa said. "It impacted me, and I realized how we can all take part in creating awareness of the importance of green and interactive places throughout our cities."
The goal was to provide students with a creative Work-Based Learning opportunity through a real design-build experience and expose them to a broader social common good and network. Of the 21 parking spaces, the students created a Summertime Fun Parklet by combining materials and activities traditionally used in a backyard summer gathering, such as pool noodles, to create a shade structure.
"As a teacher, one of my main goals is to involve my students in engaging and meaningful activities that could positively impact them," said Vazquez-Rosa. "I remembered my experience with Park(ing) Day and started planning for it. Later, I discovered that this activity has never been done in my new hometown or anywhere in East Texas."
"Work-based learning is an integral part of Career and Technical Education and providing successful student outcomes," said Jessica Brown, CTE Work-Based Learning Coordinator. "Park(ing) Day was a fun, interactive way for students to utilize the knowledge gained from their CTE classes and showcase it for some of our community partners."
The students were excited to show their work to community partners invited to judge the parking spaces. Some community partners include Habitat for Humanity, Tyler Innovation Pipeline, the City of Tyler, Fitzpatrick Architects, Chili's, Martin Marietta Concrete, Tyler ISD Construction Manager Cherie Jones, and former CTC Construction teacher Sam Becze.
"For me, this was the perfect opportunity to make an impact in our community, bring this movement to East Texas, and start it here at the CTC with our Tyler ISD students," said Vazquez-Rosa.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.