A group of friends sat in chairs on the lawn for a chat Friday afternoon, not in a residential neighborhood, but in a parking space.

On Friday parking spaces along Main Street in Bel Air served as open space for the global event dubbed "PARK(ing) Day."

Started by Rebar, a San Francisco-based design firm, PARK(ing) Day, "challenges people to rethink the way streets are used and reinforces the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure," a release states.

Mike Grabenstein with Frederick Ward and Associates called the event a success.

"We've had people stoping by and using it as a park," Grabenstein said.

He explained his employer, Craig Ward, brought the event to Bel Air with the help of Bel Air Downtown Alliance. Grabenstein said the event came together well despite a short two weeks to plan and obtain permits.

"Hopefully it's bigger and better next year," Grabenstein said.

Participating businesses included Frederick Ward Associates, Freedom Federal Credit Union, Edmeades & Stromdahl, and CTSi.

Did you utilize the open spaces in Bel Air Friday?