"Open Streets" Event to Turn That Great Street Into Playground
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 6, 2011 2:30PM
Open streets events aren't new. Organized to promote community culture, provide a chance for families to get out and have fun, and allows everyone to experience downtown corridors in ways other than the inside of a car, they've been held regularly in other cities. Here in Chicago there have been open boulevard initiatives that have shut down the city's boulevard system to all but bicycle and foot traffic in recent years.
The Open Streets on State Street event set for Oct. 1 will shut down State Street to motorized vehicles from Lake to Van Buren, giving people an opportunity to experience "that great street" in a way most of us have never done.
In addition to having unfettered access to State Street (traffic will be allowed to pass at Madison and Monroe) a variety of activities are also in the works, such as a kids zone, roller disco, dunking booth, skate park, scavenger hunt and healthy activities.
Open Streets on State Street. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oct. 1. State Street from Lake to Van Buren.