Free pedestrian playground Open Streets returns to the Loop bigger and better on Saturday, Sept. 8, and makes exciting debut in Wicker Park/Bucktown on Sunday, Sept. 16

“We are looking forward to inviting people to the Loop once again to experience two of Chicago’s world-renowned destinations—State Street and Millennium Park—in a new way,” said Laura Jones, Interim Executive Director of Chicago Loop Alliance, service provider for State Street SSA #1.

“We’re thrilled to bring Open Streets to Wicker Park and Bucktown,” said Adam Burck, Executive Director of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, service provider for WPB SSA #33. “This event is a natural fit for our community that enthusiastically embraces alternative transportation initiatives. In fact, the community created a master plan in 2008 with goals that include creating bike boulevards and community bicycling events.”

A sampling of the free recreational programming offered to the public at both Open Streets events includes: 

• Mobile skate park: While most public places prohibit skateboarding, Open Streets encourages people of all ages and ability levels to take lessons and watch professionals skate on this street course, which includes ramps and a half-pipe.
• Imagination Playground: Children ages 3 and up can explore this award-winning, 500-square-foot movable playground that includes blocks, crates, carts, sand and water. This innovative playground design encourages children and their families to pursue healthy, safe, and educational play.
• Climbing wall and slackline: A portable rock wall will allow participants to improve their climbing skills and a 20-foot slackline will test their balance. Pros will demonstrate their expertise on a 48-foot slackline.
• Yoga classes: CorePower instructors will be on hand to lead participants through poses and breathing exercises. Stand like a tree, reach for the sun and feel the stress melt away. New classes start every hour.
• Walgreens Way to Well Health: Take a free health test that measures 10 key indicators, including cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and weight.
• Fencing: Watch three different kinds of fencing demonstrations, presented by the local RedStar Fencing Club: foil, sabre, and epée.
• People Jam: Chromatics: Enjoy eight different dance routines throughout the day choreographed specifically for Color Jam, the monumental art installation at Adams and State Streets. Mixed in with performances will be opportunities for observers to learn some new dance moves.
• Games: Four square and relay races are no longer just for the school playground. Get involved in these childhood classics and try out some newer games, including human tic-tac-toe and slow bike racing.
• People Spot: Grab a spot on one of our “pop-up lawns” in the middle of State Street. Read a book, watch the action or take a nap without the everyday traffic and noise.

“Building on last year’s great success of Open Streets on State Street, we’re expecting two wonderful events that will be enjoyed by thousands of people,” said Active Trans Open Streets Director Julia Kim. “We’re encouraging people to ride bikes, take a stroll, and embrace the dramatic beauty of Chicago. Open Streets brings communities together to have fun and lead active lifestyles.”

Event organizers are grateful to the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Walgreens and REI for their generous support of Open Streets events.

Chicago Loop Alliance is a member-based civic organization that represents Chicago’s most dynamic mixed-use district—the Loop—and advocates for the rapidly growing central business area. Chicago Loop Alliance, which is service provider for State Street SSA #1, is focused on promoting and uniting Loop businesses and organizations to support one another in creating a vibrant, flourishing Loop where people live, work and play. For more information, visit www.chicagoloopalliance.com.

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization that serves as a cornerstone of the Wicker Park and Bucktown commercial districts. The Chamber is the service provider for the WPB SSA #33. SSAs provide a fair and transparent way to finance and manage programs to create, maintain and manage clean, attractive and competitive commercial districts. For more information, visit www.wickerparkbucktown.com.

The Active Transportation Alliance (Active Trans) is an advocate for bicyclists, pedestrians and public transit riders in the Chicago region. Active Trans encourages transportation that promotes health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship and resource conservation. For more information about Active Trans, visit www.activetrans.org.