Celebrating Culture and Community at UTA’s Park(ing) Day
On September 27, 2024, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) transformed its parking spaces into vibrant social hubs for Park(ing) Day, an event that encourages communities to rethink the use of urban spaces. Among the participants was architecture student Gabriela Gonzalez, who took the opportunity to share her Salvadoran heritage through food, culture, and community engagement.
A Taste of Salvadoran Tradition
Gonzalez’s passion for her culture was evident as she welcomed her aunt, who traveled nearly four hours from Houston to Arlington, to prepare pupusas—a beloved Salvadoran dish. These thick corn tortillas, filled with a variety of ingredients, served not only as a delicious treat but also as a cultural bridge, inviting others to experience a taste of El Salvador. “Park(ing) Day was a unique way to bring awareness to greener and safer streets,” Gonzalez remarked. “It also was a great way to share a little bit of my culture and at the same time, bring some spotlight to CAPPA.”
Reimagining Urban Spaces
The event, hosted by the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA), saw students from various CAPPA organizations repurpose parking spots across The Commons into lively areas for social interaction. With canopies set up for shade, attendees were encouraged to eat, play games, and engage with the event’s purpose. Jonathan Hampton, a master’s student in landscape architecture and vice president of UTA’s Student American Society of Landscape Architects, emphasized the importance of reimagining spaces typically reserved for vehicles. “We want people to know that even something like a parking lot can be reimagined and used to foster community,” he stated.
Building Community Connections
Throughout the day, the event attracted a diverse crowd from across the campus. Participants enjoyed pupusas, played cornhole, and learned about the various plants and flowers brought by the organizers. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and creativity, showcasing how even the most mundane spaces can be transformed into vibrant community areas. Hampton expressed hope that the event would grow larger each year, fostering a deeper sense of community among students and faculty alike.
A Collaborative Effort
CAPPA Dean Ming-Han Li highlighted the significance of collaboration among students from different disciplines. “Our CAPPA students, representing a range of disciplines, came together by using the national Park(ing) Day event to forge a new tradition at UTA that celebrates teamwork and innovation,” he said. This initiative not only enriches the students’ academic experiences but also raises awareness about the potential of underutilized spaces, turning them into lively hubs for public social life.
UTA’s Commitment to Diversity and Excellence
Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, UTA is a comprehensive institution dedicated to advancing knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System. The university has earned recognition as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovative research.
Moreover, UTA is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The university has also received the Seal of Excelencia for its efforts in accelerating Latino student success. UTA ranks as the No. 1 national public university in the U.S. for veterans and is recognized for its commitment to advancing social mobility and ethnic diversity.
The Impact of UTA Alumni
With approximately 270,000 alumni, UTA has made a significant impact on the local and national economy. Many alumni occupy leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contributing to the university’s annual economic impact of $28.8 billion on Texas. This extensive network of successful graduates underscores UTA’s role as a vital educational institution in the region.
Through events like Park(ing) Day, UTA not only fosters a sense of community but also highlights the importance of cultural exchange and environmental awareness, making it a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in higher education.