The benefits go far beyond the peaceful and carefree afternoon along the boulevards.

In a city that continues to battle obesity, Open Streets focuses largely on creating a healthy and physically active afternoon for residents.

Health Benefits
Open Streets encourages communities to be more active. With more than 20 percent of Chicago children and 60 percent of adults overweight or clinically obese, there is an obvious need to get people moving.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Latinos and African Americans are less likely to be physically active, due in large part to the social, economic and physical environment of their low-income, urban neighborhoods that have few open spaces and recreation facilities.

Open Streets provided these open spaces and structured activities in neighborhoods that have the least green space in the city. The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children works on combating these alarming rates and has been an integral partner in the planning of Open Streets.

Environmental Benefits
By removing car traffic, Open Streets relieves traffic congestion, noise pollution and air pollution. Residents can explore their own streets and discover the ease and convenience of their neighborhoods. Plus, it is a chance for residents to test out more active, non-polluting forms of transportation — biking and walking.

Economic Benefits
Open Streets encourages residents to discover their own neighborhood. This means visiting nearby shops that are locally owned. When we create a safe avenue for residents to easily access local businesses, these critical pieces of local economy are preserved. Business owners in Guadalajara, Mexico, who once closed their stores on Sundays now experience the most profit on those days thanks to the thousands of residents enjoying the streets.

Community Building
Open Streets creates and strengthens community connections. The route traveled through five unique neighborhoods with rich and diverse cultures. Interactive displays of dance, art and music gave participants opportunities to experience the flavors of each community. Open Streets highlights and addresses the shared needs of Chicago communities — safe spaces for individuals and families to be physically active.

Showcase Chicago's boulevards
Open Streets showcases Chicago's historical boulevard system written into Daniel Burnham's Chicago Plan in 2009. The event allows residents to explore Chicago's beautiful boulevards and luscious green space in an active, non-motorized ways: biking, walking, dancing and playing in their streets. This year Chicago celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Plan. Open Streets is proud to be a Burnham Plan Centennial partner.