Promoting active neighborhoods through PlayStreets

In many Chicago neighborhoods, a shortage of parks and playgrounds contributes to a lack of physical activity.

To help foster more physical activity for children in underserved neighborhoods, Active Trans has been working with LISC Chicago and World Sport Chicago to help city residents reclaim their streets.

The streets are reclaimed with events called PlayStreets, which are reoccurring community events that close a street to car traffic and open it up for games and activities for local families. They take place at the same location at a regularly scheduled time.

In addition to encouraging physical activity, the events aim to support community groups as they work to make their streets safe and their neighborhoods more vibrant.

Thanks to support from the Chicago Department of Public Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Active Trans has partnered with a host of organizations to bring more than 50 PlayStreets events to Little Village, Woodlawn, Chicago Lawn, and South Chicago in September, October and November.

If there’s a PlayStreets event near you, come on by with your family. Or consider volunteering.