FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:   Maryalicia Johnson 407-246-3764  or 407-468-3379

MAYOR BUDDY DYER AND DISTRICT 2 CITY COMMISSIONER BETTY T. WYMAN UNVEIL LOCAL TEENS’ ARTWORK FOR DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE

 Unique Artwork from City Middle-Schoolers Launches
Downtown Parking Improvements for City of Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 29, 2005) -- On Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Buddy Dyer will join District 2 Commissioner Betty T. Wyman and children from the After-School All Stars program to unveil the first ParkSMART ART sign for the Central Boulevard Garage located at 53 W. Central Boulevard. 

“This is just the beginning of our efforts to increase the quality experience in Downtown Orlando as we focus on improving parking, while giving kids a chance to be part of this new art program in City parking garages.” said Mayor Dyer. 

The ParkSMART ART, a 9-foot piece of artwork creatively made of the kids’ ceramic tiles, will be the first of many unique pieces that will brighten the appearance of downtown parking facilities and increase awareness of the City’s parking garages.  Additionally, this ParkSMART ART initiative gives local children the chance to be part of downtown Orlando’s history and future. 

“Hundreds of middle-schoolers that participated in my After School All Star's Summer Camp competed for this honor, painting their favorite cars on ceramic tiles, with the winners being showcased in the new ParkSMART ART project,” said Commissioner Wyman.  “What a great way to engage our youth to contribute to the culture of our City Beautiful.” 

ParkSMART ART was developed as part of the Mayor’s 20 Point Strategic Downtown Revitalization plan, which specifically identified parking as a vital element in the overall success of downtown’s revitalization.   The Parking Division is focused on promoting parking programs, improving overall signage and continuing to offer great parking options in downtown through the ParkSMART campaign.  For more information on downtown ParkSMART options, log onto www.cityoforlando.net/parking or call 407-246-2155.

# # #