A Play Street transforms neighborhood streets into recurring pop-up community hubs for intergenerational socializing, play, and physical activity by closing the street to vehicle traffic. They create a fun, active space, especially in places where recreational areas are scarce. Play Streets are free and open to everyone. Play Streets can have snacks and games, but they can also include culturally specific performances, potlucks, or demonstrations for kids like how to patch a bike tire or plant a tree. The possibilities are endless.
The Portland in the Streets team, after beginning in 2018 and then putting the program on pause due to the pandemic, has had two years of successful Play Streets programming and is launching into its third. Three iterations of the program have been created to respond to the needs of the organizations and communities that benefit from Play Streets. In our proposal, we will discuss the data that backs the importance of outdoor play, the different iterations our program has had, how equity informs our program, and how we plan to move forward. Join us!
Presentation Outline · Overview of different iterations of the program · What we’ve learned · What resources we have available for participants · Q&A
Engineering Technician II, Community Events and Play Streets, Portland Bureau of Transportation, City of Portland
Sam has worked for PBOT for two years, working on projects and permitting to help community flourish in the right-of-way. A Portland native, Sam has worked in the public service field for ten years. She enjoys spending time with her three legged dog, reading, and gardening.
