PHILADELPHIA (September 9, 2016) — Thanks to an overwhelming response, the City is extending the official route of this month’s Philly Free Streets so that it now includes nearly 10 miles of free streets. And we’re announcing three additional sponsors.
Philly Free Streets was announced last month by Mayor Kenney to take place on Saturday, September 24 from 8am until 1pm. It was originally a more-than 7-mile inaugural route, river to river, in proximity to 15 diverse neighborhoods. Due to a flood of interest from organizations that want to get involved and provide programming, the festivities will expand onto the entire length of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.
The inaugural route will run from Front & South to the South Street Bridge on to the Schuylkill River Trail into W. Fairmount Park. Activities will now continue on to MLK Drive, ending at Falls Bridge. In addition, streets in West Fairmount Park will be closed in order to support activities.
“The new Philly Free Streets route will directly engage more neighborhoods and communities and make this event even more impactful,” said Deputy Managing Director Clarena I. W. Tolson.
More than 50 organizations will provide a variety of fun and exciting activities, including boot camps, bike riding lessons, group rides and runs, music performances, mural mazes, and interactive educational games.
The City previously announced its partnership with Snap Kitchen, a one-stop healthy meal shop and the premiere food sponsor of the event. Snap Kitchen’s mission aligns with the goals of Philly Free Streets – supporting healthy living in Philadelphia.
The City also welcomes three new sponsors to Philly Free Streets. Vea Fitness, the official App sponsor of the Philly Free Streets, is a fitness app that rewards your workouts, and looks to bring some rewards to Philly Free Streets participants. AARP Pennsylvania and local non-profit, Open Streets PHL, also join as sponsors. Both AARP Pennsylvania and Open Streets PHL have been strong supporters of open street events.
Led by the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (oTIS) Philly Free Streets temporarily closes designated street routes to cars, inviting people to walk, bike, and play. Philly Free Streets highlights the positive impacts that such active transportation has on public health, the environment, business, and the community.
The inaugural Philly Free Streets program is scheduled for Saturday, September 24 from 8am – 1pm. Family-friendly programming on the topics of physical activity, wellness, environment, literacy, sustainability, social services, arts, culture, history, and more will be installed along the route.
For more information regarding Philly Free Streets, including information regarding the event and volunteer opportunities, go to www.phillyfreestreets.com.