Open Streets returns on Sunday, Sept. 15

Press Contacts:

Jody Grimaldi                                                                                                                   
Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce                                                                    
630-470-0044                                                                                                                     
jody@trafficpr.net                                                                                                             

Ethan Spotts
Active Transportation Alliance
312-427-4907, ext. 287
ethan@activetrans.org

For Immediate Release

Free pedestrian playground Open Streets returns to
Wicker Park/Bucktown and Logan Square on Sunday, Sept. 15 

CHICAGO, IL (July 29, 2013)—Chicagoland residents are invited to enjoy the return of Open Streets — Chicago’s free pedestrian playground — on Sunday, Sept. 15 in Wicker Park/Bucktown and Logan Square, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Expanding the route to Logan Square this year, Open Streets will close streets to car traffic and open them up for healthy recreation including biking, running, yoga classes, and interactive playgrounds.

During the five-hour event on September 15th the The Wicker Park Bucktown SSA #33, administered by WPB Chamber of Commerce, and Active Trans will bring Open Streets to 3 miles of Milwaukee Avenue spanning from Ashland Ave. to Logan Blvd. WPB SSA #33 funds sponsor the Wicker Park Bucktown section of the route.

Open Streets creates a safe public space in a car-free setting where communities can connect, families and friends can exercise and play, and businesses can engage with the public. The event is modeled after similar car-free events held in cities around the world from New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, to Bogota, Colombia, which holds its iconic “Ciclovia” event every Sunday of the year.

“We want to encourage outdoor activities, exercise and interaction between neighbors, and this event helps us see our streets in a different context as a part of livable communities,” said Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein. “Chicago’s pedestrian plan calls for more events and opportunities like Open Streets Chicago that encourage neighborhood activities in a safe and fun environment.”

We're thrilled to bring Open Streets back to Wicker Park and Bucktown for a second year,” said Adam Burck, Executive Director of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce. “This event celebrates our neighborhood and gives everyone a chance to enjoy it in a unique way. Extending the route connects more communities and will bring new people to our business corridor.

Here’s a sampling of the free programming offered to the public at the event: 

• Imagination Playground: Children ages 3 and older can explore this award-winning, 500-square-foot movable playground that includes blocks, crates, carts, sand and water. This innovative playground encourages children and their families to pursue healthy, safe, and educational play.
• Yoga classes: Instructors will lead yoga classes every hour.
• Dunking booth: Settle the score the old-fashioned way — by sending someone splashing into 500 gallons of water.
• Games: Four square and relay races are no longer just for the school playground. Get involved in these childhood classics and try out some newer games, including human tic-tac-toe.
• Walgreens Way to Well Health: Take a free health test that measures 10 key indicators, including cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and weight.

“Open Streets Chicago returns with our longest route, nearly three miles of Milwaukee Avenue where thousands of people can take back the street and play — for free,” said Active Trans Open Streets Director Julia Kim. “We’re encouraging people to ride bikes, take a stroll, skate and experience the vibrant Wicker Park, Bucktown and Logan Square communities.”

Event organizers are grateful for generous support of Open Streets from Walgreens, ALDI, and Revolution Brewing. Visit http://openstreetschicago.org for more information.

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce: The Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce serves as a cornerstone of the Wicker Park and Bucktown commercial districts, advancing the financial goals of neighborhood businesses through the creation of a dynamic economic climate, increasing the neighborhood's visibility and viability, and encouraging profitable relationships within the community. Read more at wickerparkbucktown.com.

WPB SSA #33: The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce administers the WPB Special Service Area (SSA #33). SSAs, often known as Business Improvement Districts in other cities, provide a fair and transparent way to finance and manage programs to create, maintain and manage clean, attractive and competitive commercial districts. The SSA is overseen by a Commission of 12 stakeholders in the SSA.  We are guided by a Master Plan adopted in 2009 after extensive public input, and we accomplish our work through active committees.

The Active Transportation Alliance (Active Trans) is an advocate for bicyclists, pedestrians and public transit riders in the Chicago region. Active Trans encourages transportation that promotes health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship and resource conservation. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, please visit www.activetrans.org.

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