PlayStreets 2014 Creates More Opportunities for Recreation in Chicago

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Kids from neighborhoods all across the city of Chicago can look forward to staying active and having safe places to play this summer, thanks to the Playstreets 2014 initiative, launched by the city on June 20th of 2014.

The idea for PlayStreets, an open streets event that temporarily closes streets to traffic and turns them into a playground, was first discussed in 2011, as part of the city’s Healthy Chicago plan, a plan that seeks to improve the health of the community and reverse the obesity epidemic.

In 2013, 50 Playstreets events took place. This year, at least 140 different Playstreet events in over 26 neighborhoods are planned from June through October of 2014. The growth and success of these events would not have been possible without the collaboration and commitment of over 20 grassroots partners who will aid by hosting the events.

According to a city press release,  the Gads Hill Center, the Active Transportation Alliance, World Sport Chicago and Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago (LISC) were responsible for organizing this year’s events on behalf of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Because Latino kids often lack safe places to play, programs like PlayStreets can work to increase minutes of physical activity, and prevent obesity.

In a city press release Mayor Rahm Emanuel said: “Every child in every neighborhood deserves to have a fun and healthy summer. PlayStreets provides just that, giving our children and their families more opportunities to get and stay active in their communities…This will help residents develop valuable skills and a healthy life style that they will carry through the rest of their lives.”

To learn more about PlayStreets 2014 and to view an event schedule, visit the city’s PlayStreets page here. Read the PlayStreets 2014 press release here.