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“Open Streets” opens minds

By Cristobal Martinez on Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The sounds of bicycle bells rang out on Saturday, August 1st, replacing the usual clamor of car horns on an eight mile stretch of Chicago’s West Side boulevards. “Open Streets,” known last October as “Sunday Parkways,” united five adjacent, but culturally different communities. Logan Square, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, Garfield Park and Little Village each showcased their diversity as the open roads offered a quick connection from one neighborhood to the next traveled by bike or by foot. Co-sponsors included the Active Transportation Alliance, Chicago Community Trust and LISC/Chicago.

Open Streets 2009 from Brent Michel on Vimeo.

Each neighborhood offered a variety of activities and entertainment. On the south end of Douglas Park, Little Village set up a Hip-Hop stage where DJ’s spun music for break dancers. The “breakers” put together a workshop for anyone that wanted to hop off their bikes and learn some simple footwork and floor spins. B-Ball on the Block was also at the park, with hoops set up for pick-up basketball games as well as an All-Star game for teams that participate in their weekly tournament. Giant-sized board games like Twister and oversized chess had residents moving even when they stopped their boulevard trek.

North of Douglas Park, CPO (caring. people. outreach.) created a 40 foot, paint by number mural. The North Lawndale organization strives to keep their community beautiful, specializing in landscaping areas of the boulevard that require improvement. They also provide yard work and snow removal during the winter months for elderly residents.

Once dry, the mural was put on display in the courtyard of a newly renovated apartment building. “The depiction of unity on the mural represents CPO’s involvement in North Lawndale,” said Lonnie Williams, president of CPO. “We knew Open Streets was a great way to show our neighboring communities the progress our neighborhood has made on this part of the boulevard.”

Moving north, a unique dance/music performance caught the attention of cyclists, joggers and nearby residents at the intersection of Arthington Street and Independence Boulevard. A jazz band played songs by the late Michael Jackson as teens from The Lynn-Marcel Academy of Fine Arts showed their dance moves. A few dancers took some of the joggers and cyclists away from their workout to show them a few steps, while above average renditions of the “Moonwalk” made an appearance. Tabitha Henry, dance coordinator for the Lynn-Marcel Academy was impressed by the Open Streets traffic. “I’ve learned so much about the city today. It is awesome to see these diverse communities come together and appreciate what each area has to offer.”

Over at Garfield Park’s Gold Dome, the West Side Cultural Arts Council brought attention to their “Green and Wellness” initiative. Participants of Open Streets filled out surveys that inquired about their interest in Arts, Green and Wellness. Levette Haynes, board member of the West Side Cultural Arts Council, stressed families should keep healthy habits a priority. “The survey asked families if they eat fruits or vegetables more than twice a week, and many respondents said, ‘No.’ We hope to encourage families to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.” A five dollar coupon towards the purchase of fresh fruits or vegetables at N&G Produce Market in the West Loop was given to each person surveyed.

SINAI Urban Health Institute’s program, “Helping Her Live,” organized a 3K walk that converged in Garfield Park from two separate starting points north and south on the boulevards. The walk promoted Helping Her Live’s mission to gain control of breast cancer by educating the community. As groups of women walked together from Humboldt Park to Garfield Park, many of them cheered each other on and held hands to display their unity of purpose.

Participants traveled from North Lawndale up to Garfield Park or from Humboldt Park down to Garfield Park. Many of the supporters and even survivors of breast cancer decided they wanted to walk the entire Open Streets route, from Logan Square all the way down to Little Village. Deciding to keep her pace and not slow down, Michelle Thompson, a breast cancer awareness supporter shouted, “We’re walking to show our strength against breast cancer!” The walk wrapped up in Garfield Park, where a Breast Cancer Survivor/Remembrance Ceremony allowed those gathered to observe the lives of those affected by the disease.

Logan Square ended—or kicked off, depending on where you began your Open Streets experience—with a variety of activities. St. Sylvester Parrish set up basketball and bingo, so anyone could stop for a quick game. The Galaxie, a music, movement and fine arts venue, gave free Swing and African dance lessons. The Swing lessons were a hit with the children; they were jumping and twirling to the point of dizziness.

Armando Rios and his family appreciated not only the activities and diversity of Open Streets, but also the opportunity to relax with his family. “It’s hard for us to ride bikes together because of how young my children are. Open Streets allows us to enjoy the ride instead of worrying about cars that usually drive through the boulevard.” Rios’ brother-in-law, Luis Aguilar, also decided to ride with the family. “I think it is great to see all of the different communities come together; today we feel welcome in these other neighborhoods.”

Rios and Aguilar biked the entire Open Streets route with their families. They entered neighborhoods they previously thought were unsafe. Many Open Streets participants, like the Rios family, learned that crossing boundaries is beneficial; they meet new people and learn from different cultures. Open Streets opened up not only the boulevards, but also people’s minds.