What is an Open Streets Event?
Open Streets events temporarily close streets to automobile traffic so that people may use them for walking, bicycling, dancing, playing, and meeting their neighbors. Open Streets festivals currently take place in more than 100 cities across North America. These events typically are held on Sunday afternoons when traffic volumes are minimal. Open Streets programs have proven to be successful at achieving goals related to recreation, public health, active transportation – like walking and biking – and community building.
Goal of Open Streets 704
Our goal is to get people to fall in love with walking and biking again, so they’ll consider doing it as a part of their everyday routine. Most of all Open Streets 704 is about FUN! It’s a way to reclaim our streets for people of all ages to play, explore, and enjoy the Queen City.
Why we need Open Streets
Open Streets 704 is more than a series of events – it’s a movement! Open Streets events answer a number of key questions facing our community.
- How do we become neighbors in a culture where we are ALWAYS plugged in?
- How do we improve our health?
- How do we demonstrate to our leaders that there is a clear demand for more walkable and bikeable streets?
- How do we offer equitable access to active living?
Open Streets 704’s a commitment to building community extends beyond a 4-hour event on a Sunday afternoon.
How Can I Get Involved?
Open Streets 704 is for everyone! Whether you live or work along the route or not, Open Streets 704 is for you. Car-free streets, if only for the afternoon, give us all an opportunity to enjoy the connectivity that roads provide, but in a more healthful, carefree, and social atmosphere. If you, your business or your organization would like to volunteer or participate with Open Streets 704 in a more formal way, check out our Get Involved menu.
Partners
Open Streets is a partnership between Mecklenburg County Park & Rec, Open Streets 704 is presented in partnership with Partners for Parks, Mecklenburg County, and the City of Charlotte. Our program was piloted in 2016 by a generous grant from the Knight Foundation.
Thanks to these partners, as well as sponsorship from Southminster and others, Open Streets events are free for everyone in the community. And yes, we’re always interested in securing sponsorship to sustain the program for long term community benefit. Interested? Let’s talk!
