THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s Clean Green & Beautiful Committee and 8-80 cities have partnered together to bring an Open Streets program to Thunder Bay this year.
Open Streets Thunder Bay will be the city’s largest free recreation program that encourages residents to get outside to be physically active, socially connected and to celebrate our streets.
On Sunday, July 13th people can experience Algoma Street like never before!
The public is invited to walk, bike, skate board, roller blade, dance, and play at Open Streets Thunder Bay. From 9AM to 2PM Algoma St from John St to Boulevard Lake Park and West Lyon Boulevard to Arundel St. will be closed to cars but there will be five police directed intersections to allow traffic to cross Algoma Street. Any Algoma St. residents are encouraged to park their vehicle on a side street before 9 am if they will need to travel before 2 pm on July 13th.
“The community support for this initiative has been so wonderful,” says EcoSuperior program coordinator Ashley Priem. “We really appreciate the tremendous support from the business community, our volunteers and all the recreation leaders who are making this event possible.”
8-80cities describes Open Streets as programs where the streets are opened to people and closed to cars. People traffic replaces car traffic, and the streets become “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities, and social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds can come out and improve their health.
Thunder Bay will host two Open Streets events in 2014, with the goal of encouraging people to come outside, to be physically active, meet neighbours, and enjoy the recent streetscape improvements in the Bay/Algoma Area. This Clean Green & Beautiful project has created a streetscape that is a vibrant and active community destination.
Participants will have opportunities to try a wide range of supporting activities including Tai Chi, Zumba, Bike Polo, Ultimate Frisbee, Yoga, Hula Hoops, crossfit training, chalk art, and more, all in a car-free environment. But a big part of the fun is just strolling or cycling down the route, meeting friends and neighbours along the way. Thunder Bay’s second Open Streets event will happen on September 14th at the same time and same location.
