Open Boulevards’ Series to Return this Fall, Starting with Drexel Boulevard on September 18
September 12, 2022
Erica Schroeder 312.744.0707 | erica.schroeder@cityofchicago.org
Jamey Lundblad (DCASE) Jamey.Lundblad@cityofchicago.org | DCASE@cityofchicago.org
CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Chicago Park District today announced the second year of Open Boulevards – a series of street activations that transform Chicago’s historic boulevards into open community spaces. After launching last year, Open Boulevards is returning to Bronzeville, North Lawndale, and Logan Square this fall. During each event, sections of the boulevards will be closed to vehicular traffic and open for residents to walk, bike, scooter, socialize, and enjoy food, programming, and activities from local community partners.
"Our streets are as iconic as our skyline," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "These activations turn our historic boulevards into community assets and encourage Chicagoans to eat, travel, shop, and connect in a whole new way."
"Our streets are as iconic as our skyline," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "These activations turn our historic boulevards into community assets and encourage Chicagoans to eat, travel, shop, and connect in a whole new way."
The first Open Boulevards event will take place on Sunday, September 18th on Drexel Boulevard in the Bronzeville neighborhood from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Drexel Boulevard will be closed to motor vehicle traffic between 43rd and 45th Street.
Two additional events are planned for October 16 along Douglas Boulevard and October 30 along Logan Boulevard. City departments are working closely with the Chicago Park District to connect the activations and programming to parks along the boulevard system.
“Chicago’s historic boulevards are one of our city’s best civic assets – providing green space and vital connections between parks and neighborhoods,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi. “Opening up these streets for residents of all ages to safely play, gather, and socialize creates more vibrant, livable neighborhoods. We’re excited to partner with DCASE, the Park District, local officials, and community partners to bring Open Boulevards back for a second year this fall.”
“Along with our community partners and collaborators at CDOT and the Park District, DCASE is looking forward to joining neighbors in Bronzeville, North Lawndale, and Logan Square in celebrating our historic boulevards as fully activated community assets through the Open Boulevards program,” said DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey.
“Chicago’s historic boulevards connect communities and parks,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent Rosa Escareño. “We are pleased to support this year’s Open Boulevards Series by connecting participating community partners and artists to replicate enriching experiences that happen in our parks and creating opportunities for residents to enjoy these thoroughfares in a unique and engaging way.”