What is a Corridors Connect Event?
Corridors Connect events are a series of six events held over three weeks, transforming a one-mile stretch of a local neighborhood street into a park for a day. These events temporarily close city-owned streets to automobile traffic, providing opportunities for walking, bicycling, dancing, playing, and socializing with neighbors. CC is a collaborative initiative between the City’s Corridors of Opportunity program and the City and County’s Open Streets Program, aimed at promoting connectivity, wellness, and equity in Charlotte’s diverse neighborhoods.
Why are Open Streets events important?
Open Streets events, like Corridors Connect, address critical community questions:
- How do we foster neighborly connections in an era of constant digital engagement?
- How can we improve community health and wellness?
- How do we demonstrate the demand for walkable and bikeable streets?
- How can we ensure equitable access to active living opportunities?
These events are part of a movement to build stronger communities beyond just one Sunday afternoon.
Where and when do Corridors Connect events take place?
Corridors Connect events will be held on consecutive Sunday afternoons, between 1pm and 5 pm, when traffic volumes are low. They occur in all six Corridors of Opportunity in Charlotte creating opportunities for residents and visitors to explore diverse neighborhoods, local parks, recreation centers, and businesses. Events will happen October 8, 15, and 22.
- October 8: I-85/Sugar Creek Road – Hidden Valley Elementary School 5100 Snow White Ln, Charlotte, NC 28213 and Tom Hunter Park – 919 Tom Hunter Rd Charlotte NC 28213
- October 8 Albemarle Road/Central Avenue – Idlewild Elementary School – 7101 Idlewild Rd Charlotte NC 28212 and Cedarwood Park – 6624 Reddman Rd Charlotte NC 28212
- October 15: Beatties Ford Road/ Rozzelles Ferry Road – West Charlotte Recreation Center – 2401 Kendall Dr, Charlotte NC 28216
- October 15: Graham Street/ North Tryon Street- Anita Stroud Park 2215 Double Oaks Dr, Charlotte NC 28206
- October 22: West Boulevard – Arbor Glen Outreach Center – 1520 Clanton Rd Charlotte, NC 28217 and Amay James Recreation Center – 2425 Lester St, Charlotte NC 28208
- October 22: Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard – Ashley Park Elementary – 2401 Belfast Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208 and Dowd Park – 2521 Greenland Ave Charlotte, NC 28208
What is the goal of Corridors Connect events?
The primary goal of Corridors Connect is to encourage people to rediscover the joy of walking and biking while spending time with their neighbors. These events promote connectivity, wellness, and equity, reimagine streets as social spaces, and support active mobility, health, economic vitality, and vibrant public life.
How can I get involved with Corridors Connect?
Corridors Connect is inclusive and welcomes participation from everyone, regardless of whether you live or work along the event route. You can get involved by volunteering, participating as an individual or group, or supporting Corridors Connect through your business or organization. If you’re interested in getting more involved, please contact us. Visit the Open Streets 704 website (https://openstreets704.com) and click the “Get Involved” tab to find out how to host an activity, become a food vendor, or volunteer!
Who are the partners supporting the 2023 Open Street’s Corridors Connect events?
The 2023 Open Street’s Corridors Connect events receive funding from the City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity Initiative. They are presented in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Mecklenburg County Public Health, Partners for Parks, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the African American Mayors Association (AAMA). The original Open Streets program was initiated in 2016 with generous support from the Knight Foundation.
What are some key programs and services provided by Corridors Connect?
Corridors Connect aims to connect communities to County and City programs and services, promote and support local businesses and programs to visitors, and create an atmosphere of carefree, car-free streets for everyone to enjoy.
What are some of the benefits of open streets events like Corridors Connect?
Open streets events promote physical activity, community engagement, and a sense of belonging. They provide an opportunity to explore neighborhoods and support local businesses while advocating for healthier, more accessible streets in our city.
How can I stay updated about upcoming Corridors Connect events?
To stay informed about upcoming Corridors Connect events and opportunities to get involved, visit our website or follow us on social media for the latest updates and announcements.
Where with the route be in my corridor?
Route details can be found in the following here:
Why and how were the routes for Corridors Connect events chosen?
The routes for Corridors Connect events were carefully chosen with a strong focus on creating healthy, safe, and active communities within each of the six corridors. Safety was our top priority during the selection process. We wanted to ensure that these events cater to a diverse group of people who use various modes of transportation, including bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages, including children and the elderly.
Key factors in the route selection included participant safety and accessibility. Unlike Open Streets events, Corridors Connect routes are set in residential neighborhoods and are designed to connect with County Parks. These routes are intentionally shorter and more intimate, with a specific goal of fostering opportunities for neighborhood connections.
In contrast to Open Streets 704, Corridors Connect routes front residential properties rather than businesses, creating a community-focused environment. This decision was made to address the safety concerns of participants by focusing events in residential areas, as many businesses in the corridors are situated along high-speed NCDOT roadways.
Is there a main starting or ending location?
Yes, each location has a main hub at the beginning and the end.
October 8: I-85/Sugar Creek Road- Hidden Valley Elementary School 5100 Snow White Ln, Charlotte, NC 28213 and Tom Hunter Park- 919 Tom Hunter Rd Charlotte NC 28213
October 8 Albemarle Road/Central Avenue – Idlewild Elementary School- 7101 Idlewild Rd Charlotte NC 28212 and Cedarwood Park 6624 Reddman Rd Charlotte NC 28212
October 15: Beatties Ford Road/ Rozzelles Ferry Road – West Charlotte Recreation Center 2401 Kendall Dr, Charlotte NC 28216
October 15: Graham Street/ North Tryon Street- Anita Stroud Park 2215 Double Oaks Dr, Charlotte NC 28206
October 22: West Boulevard – Arbor Glen Outreach Center- 1520 Clanton Rd Charlotte, NC 28217 and Amay James Recreation Center 2425 Lester St, Charlotte NC 28208
October 22: Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard – Ashley Park Elementary 2401 Belfast Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208 and Dowd Park- 2521 Greenland Ave Charlotte, NC 28208
