April Open Streets

Philly Redefines the Street

Adults bring a little magic; children bring their sense of wonder; and before you know it Open Streets: West Walnut has another successful outing.

I think the skinny white barriers are new.

This is the third edition of these open streets, following the inaugural last September and the Let's Do It Again! in December. Sponsored by Philadelphia's Center City District, these open streets started with a strong plan and have been improving on that start in subtle ways, with each new outing. (And, yes, I'm a cheerleader. That's because I think they're doing a good - and important - job.)

The basic layout - closing several blocks of Walnut and 18th streets near Rittenhouse Square - remains unchanged. And the hours are still 10 am to 5 pm.

This banner may be new.

And you've got to activate the empty space you have just opened. Very few people will go to empty spaces where there are no attractions.You need the lady on stilts. And chalk. And a really big chess set. And bean-bag. And ping-pong. And double-dutch jump-roping. 

The barriers also work on sidewalks.

And musicians. And a guy blowing bubbles. (I personally think they could use a juggler.)

The photos here are all from Sunday, April 6. This edition of open streets will run every Sunday in April. It seems the Easter Bunny may show up on April 20, which happens to be Easter Sunday.

In the afternoon on April 6, there were a few drops of rain. This slowed the festivities a bit, but it definitely did not stop them. Here are the swing dancers. They are Rittenhouse regulars, usually down by the goat, at the southwest corner of the park. And they are dancing in the rain. Gene Kelly would be very happy.

I'm wondering when the Center City District will decide to do open streets every Sunday, at least in the warm weather. 

See also Open Streets: West Walnut and Can Open Streets Go Year-Round?