Open Streets 704 is coming back and will turn 3 miles of street into a huge block party
As a kid, I waited all year for the annual block party. Our street would shut down to all traffic and we could ride our Big Wheels and Green Machines up and down the street without worry. Families set up picnic tables and grills in the middle of the road. It was my absolute favorite time of the year.
Open Streets 704 is just like that, but on a much larger scale. On Sunday, Oct. 23, three miles of streets from West End to South End will close to vehicle traffic. People can walk, jog, bike or Big Wheel it through the streets.
Open Streets 704 is a collaborative effort, planned by a committee made up of representatives from city and county organizations, and local community members. According to DC Lucchesi, an Open Streets 704 committee member, “It is truly a collaborative effort.”
The Knight Foundation provided funding for four events over two years. The first event was on May 1 and 10,000 people attended – a huge success. Two more events will take place in 2017. It is the hope of the committee that Open Streets 704 will become a permanent event in Charlotte.
The October event will connect Biddleville, Smallwood, Seversville, Wesley Heights, Fourth Ward, Third Ward, Wilmore, and South End. (Route details will be released soon.)
UPDATE: Here’s the official route, first in image form:
… and also in Google Maps form.
The purpose of Open Streets is to let the community experience neighborhoods from a different perspective.
“It’s about making connections between neighborhoods, people, and the very idea that streets can be more than just strips of asphalt between us,” said Lucchesi.
This next event promises to be even more exciting. Families and friends are encouraged to plan an activity or event along the route. Now is your chance to host a foursquare game, jump-roping competition or cornhole tournament. (If you’re interested, let the Open Streets 704 committee know by contacting Monica Holmes at monica.Holmes@ci.charlotte.nc.us.)
What to expect
There will be four areas — Arts & Science, Family Zone, Green Zone and Wellness — along the route for people to see demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities.
Here are a few things to expect:
– Street performers
– Food trucks
– Live music
– Artists
– Lots and lots of people having a good time
Details
Date: Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Where: Historic West End to South End. Route details will be available soon.
Cost: Free to attend. Purchases may be made at local businesses and food trucks.
Updates: For information about parking, routes and activities follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Do good
Open Streets is powered by volunteers. My family staffed a welcome tent at the Open Streets event in May and we had a blast. We met great people and pointed a few in the right direction.
For more information about volunteering, contact Lori Saylor at lori.Saylor@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
Photos: Open Streets 704; Vanessa Infanzon
This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 1:25 AM with the headline "Open Streets 704 is coming back and will turn 3 miles of street into a huge block party."