Wondering if this is a "safety feature."
While pulling into the garage, I needed to make sure that the driver's door would clear an obstruction as I was very slowly pulling forward. Suddenly, the car stopped and I wondered why, and noticed that it was in Park, and I didn't think I bumped the shifter. I put it back in Drive and tried again, and it again switched to Park. I can only assume that this is a design feature, yes?

 

Yes, safety, but you still can drive with the door open you select gear again.

 

+1

 

Presuming that that you can unfold the mirrors - as you seem to have enough side space to open the door - have you tried using the Reverse Mirror Dip instead of opening the door?

Just curious...

 

Yes and I heard a story of a guy who purchased a new Dodge pickup. Can't drive the truck at all if the door is open. He always backed up with the drivers door cracked so he could look out back. Not anymore! Took it back to the dealer to repair the fault but found out it's not a bug it's a feature!!
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People occasionally run over themselves, so you get new safety features to prevent that. I don't have this "Park" thing you're talking about, but I can't release the parking brake unless I've got a foot on either the brake or the clutch.

 

mine does it!