Opening the streets to play in your neighborhood

Get ready to see what your streets look like when they are filled with people playing, dancing, walking and biking.

Open Streets – you might remember it as Sunday Parkways – will again open streets to people on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, for a morning of fun and physical activity.

The free event combines last year’s two Sunday Parkways events into one, huge eight-mile event. Like last year, Open Streets will span from Logan Square to Little Village, passing through Humboldt Park, North Lawndale and Garfield Park along the way. See the map here!

“You can really make Open Streets whatever you want it to be,” said Adolfo Hernandez, Active Trans’ advocacy director. “Come out and play in your neighborhood – that might mean skateboarding, walking, face painting, biking, dancing or whatever else you can think of!”

There is no registration, and participants can stay as long as they’d like during the event.

Take a step off the route at any of the activities. The lively stations will display each community’s flavor with performances, children’s games, art activities, workout classes and much more.

“We want everyone to come out: old, young, families, friends, walking groups, church and community groups,” Hernandez said. “Last year, more than 10,000 people enjoyed open streets over two days, and our goal this year is to have 35,000 on Aug. 1 enjoying the streets the way they want to.”

Active Trans has partnered with the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Humboldt Park Greater Community of Wellness, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, North Lawndale Christian Development Corporation and Enlace Chicago.

Open Streets would not be possible without the generous support from The Chicago Community Trust and Local Initiative Support Corporation.

The event also depends on volunteer support. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Jody Orlovick at jody@activetrans.org or 312.427.3325 x297. Hours can be directed toward Chicago Public School Service Learning Hours.