Open Streets festival coming to South Street, Fairmount Park
Ever since Pope Francis' visit shut down Philadelphia streets, a group of cyclists and pedestrians have been clamoring for more car-free days. It appears their wish is going to come true.
Ever since Pope Francis' visit shut down Philadelphia streets, a group of cyclists and pedestrians have been clamoring for more car-free days. It appears their wish is going to come true.
City officials have confirmed that on Sept. 24 they will temporarily close a swath of the city from South Street to Fairmount Park to vehicular traffic.
Clarena Tolson, deputy managing director for infrastructure and transportation, on Tuesday gave residents of the Bella Vista Neighborhood Association a heads-up about plans for the first Philly Free Streets event, according to Mike Dunn, city spokesman.
"The planned route will generally run the length of South Street winding its way through Fairmount Park ending at the Belmont Plateau," Dunn said in a statement.
LeeAnne Mullins, chair of Open Streets PHL, the nonprofit working to have select streets closed to traffic for recreational events, said she was at the meeting and pleased to hear about the upcoming event.
"We are really excited to be included at the table to assist the city in putting on an event of this scale," she said.
"I think a lot of people will be excited, pleased, and impressed," Mullins said.
The day will include fun and educational programming, physical activity, history, arts, culture, and sustainability, Dunn stated.
Parties interested in potentially becoming an event sponsor should contact Matthew.Fisher@phila.gov.
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