Looking for something new to do with your street? Consider joining SDOT’s Pilot Play Streets Program!
So what is a “play street,” exactly? It’s just what it sounds like. With a free permit, you can temporarily close your street to traffic so that you and your neighbors can go out and play in the street. Maybe you want to have a block-long hopscotch game or a gigantic 4-square tournament…or maybe you just want extra space to bounce a ball, skate, scoot, walk, bike, or run. Play streets can be whatever you and your neighbors want them to be.
Most importantly, play streets provide more space for kids (and adults) to play and be physically active. How often a street is converted into a play street depends on the location, community needs, and your interests. A school might choose to have a play street once a month during the school year or a community group might host a play street twice a week throughout the summer. We’ve got a new website that gives you all the details you need: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/playstreets.htm.
Seattle’s first play street is right around the corner. St. Therese Catholic Academy in Madrona is celebrating its annual field day on Friday, May 30. This year, in partnership with the Pilot Play Streets Program, St. Therese will close 35th Ave (between Spring and Marion streets) from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so that kids can safely play in the street during the field day. We’re excited to have St. Therese leading the way as the first school to participate in the Pilot Play Streets Program. Wouldn’t you like to be next?