Pedestrians in Queenstown can enjoy a little piece of green space among the town’s streets this Friday (September 21) as part of a global event.

Queenstown landscaping company Southern Landmarx and landscape planning company Vivian+Espie have joined forces to create an oasis of urban space in a central street parking space as part of PARK(ing) Day 2012.

PARK(ing) Day is an annual global event that aims to promote the importance of urban open space within cities and towns by transforming parking spaces into temporary public parks. Originating in San Francisco in 2005, last year more than 160 cities in 35 countries took part in the day with artists, designers and citizens "taking back" a space from the cars.

It will be the first time a PARK(ing) Day space has been created in Queenstown and it is the only official entry registered for New Zealand this year.

"When we heard about the idea of PARK(ing) Day we were very keen to get involved," said Southern Landmarx Director Joe Nutting. "It’s not only a great cause and initiative but also something fun and unique that the whole community can enjoy."

The Queenstown PARK(ing) space will be set up in a car park on the corner of one of the busiest parts of the Queenstown CBD, and will offer a green space for people to enjoy a spot of mini golf and rest their feet.

What started as an ‘open source’ experiment by San Francisco design studio Rebar, PARK(ing) Day has grown rapidly. PARK(ing) Day spaces have been turned into public parks, free health clinics, art galleries and demonstration gardens.

Vivian+Espie Director Ben Espie said the majority of open space within towns was usually dedicated to roads and car parking spaces.

"By removing one of these car parks and creating a space for people to enjoy, PARK(ing) Day not only highlights the importance of public open space but also the vehicle dominance of towns and cities.

"This is something we’re creating for the Queenstown community, so everyone’s encouraged to come along on the day, enjoy, relax and check out this project."

The Queenstown PARK(ing) Day space will be open from 7am to 4pm on the corner of Rees and Beach streets on Friday September 21st.