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BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPPORTS COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE

CHARLOTTE, NC – Open Streets 704 today announced a new route for its Sunday, May 7, event and introduced Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) as the new presenting sponsor.

BCBSNC’s presenting sponsorship puts Open Streets 704 on the path to continue beyond the two years funded by the company’s initial grant.

“Thousands of people are turning up for these events, thousands more are engaging with us online,” said Open Streets 704 planning team member Scott Curry. “Securing a presenting sponsor in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina shows there’s going to be long-term community and business support for the concept.”

“We’re proud to support Open Streets 704’s goal of building a better, healthier, more connected community in the Charlotte area,” said Kathy Higgins, BCBSNC’s vice president of corporate affairs. “Enabling residents to lead more active lifestyles and bringing neighbors together are two ways Open Streets 704 is making this a better place to live for all of us.”

Open Streets events create a temporary, linear park by opening the roads to pedestrian, bicycle, and other “people powered” transportation, so the streets can be used for walking, cycling, dancing, playing, and connecting neighbors. Open Streets programs have proven to be successful at achieving goals related to recreation, public health, and active transportation.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s third Open Streets 704 event will be held Sunday, May 7, from 1pm to 5pm. The event will focus on connecting Charlotte’s East Side. It will be within walking and biking distance of the Elizabeth, First Ward, Windsor Park, Chantilly, Echo Hills, Commonwealth, Plaza-Midwood, Sheffield Park, Country Club Heights, Eastover, and Cherry neighborhoods. Route maps are online at https://openstreets704.com/route/ Neighbors and businesses along the route will be notified in advance so they can plan accordingly.

The first two Open Streets 704 events drew more than 25,000 people on foot, bike, skateboards, rollerblades, and in strollers. Post-event surveys show participants overwhelmingly agree the event improved their overall image of the city and strengthened our community.

Open Streets 704 is also made possible by a generous grant from the Knight Foundation, in partnership with Partners for Parks, Mecklenburg County Government, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation, Mecklenburg County Public Health, Charlotte B-Cycle, the Charlotte Chamber’s Healthy Charlotte Council, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Charlotte Fire departments.

For more information, visit https://openstreets704.com, or follow the program on Facebook and Instagram.