(Philadelphia, August 5) — Mayor Kenney and other officials today announced details of a major event that will further the Mayor’s vision of connecting the City’s diverse neighborhoods: Philly Free Streets, which will take place on September 24, 2016 from 8 am to 1 pm.
The more-than 7-mile inaugural route will pass in proximity to 15 diverse neighborhoods and span river-to-river. In addition, streets in West Fairmount Park will be closed in order to support activities.
“My commitment to improving neighborhoods and bettering the futures of children does not stop with the new Community Schools or expanded Pre-K,” said Mayor Kenney. “Philly Free Streets will transform our streets into a safe environment for physical activity, learning, and bettering the futures of thousands of children.”
Philly Free Streets is an expansion of the City’s long-standing commitment to the concept of open streets. Since 1994, the City has closed Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. to vehicular traffic on weekends, April through October, to encourage active transportation and healthy lifestyles.
Led by the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (oTIS) and the Office of Special Events, Philly Free Streets highlights the positive impact active transportation – such as walking and biking — has on public health, the environment, business, and the community.
“The City of Philadelphia is committed to finding new and innovative ways to use our streets,” said Clarena Tolson, Philadelphia’s Deputy Managing Director for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. “Philly Free Streets will bring people together to have fun, be social, and engage in healthy activities.”
The route will include free, family-friendly fitness activities and pop-up educational programming about the city’s waterways, public art, architecture, environment, and vibrant cultures. From the Delaware River to the Schuylkill by the way of South Street to Parkside and Fairmount, Philly Free Streets 2016 will invite people to explore the city’s streets, parks, and trails.
The City has partnered with Snap Kitchen, a one-stop healthy meal shop and the premiere food sponsor of the event. “We are thrilled to sponsor this fall’s Philly Free Streets, an event which promotes health and encourages viewing our great city from a new perspective!” said Beth Lawrence, Northeast Marketing Manager for Snap Kitchen.
People are invited to join the route at any point—there’s no formal start or finish—and to participate in program activities throughout. During the event, people are encouraged to support businesses along the South Street corridor and to look for special programming in West Fairmount Park.
For more information regarding Philly Free Streets, including information regarding the event, volunteering, and how to become a Philly Free Streets sponsor, go to www.phillyfreestreets.com.