Sunday Parkways transform streets into physical activity utopia

“Sunday Parkways capitalizes on the beauty of our city’s boulevard system framed in the Burnham Plan; and by opening up the boulevards to residents, we will transform these spaces into venues for healthy living and community life,” said Terry Mazany, president and chief executive officer of The Chicago Community Trust. The Chicago Community Trust and Local Initiatives Support Corporation have provided major funding for the event.

 

A second event will take place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Little Village neighborhoods. The event is free and no registration is required; residents can join the route at any time, take advantage of activity stations located in Garfield Park, Douglas Park and Telpochcalli Community School, and enjoy all their neighborhoods have to offer.

“Vibrant neighborhoods are the heart of a great city, and The Chicago Community Trust is pleased to provide key funding to pilot what has promise to be the next great enhancement to our neighborhoods,” Mazany said.

Unlike other U.S. cities that hosted similar events, Sunday’s event was organized at the community level. Community-based organizations —  Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, North Lawndale Christian Development Corporation and Little Village Community Development Corporation —  partnered with the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the Chicago Park District to make Sunday Parkways a success.

Sunday Parkways is funded through the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, Local Initiatives Support Corporation/Chicago, The Boeing Company, Bikes Belong, Bank of America, Michael Reese Health Trust and Recreation Equipment Incorporated (REI).

“We see LISC’s support of Sunday Parkways as an investment in the health of future generations. Not only does the program promote physical activity and healthy living, Sunday Parkways also creates opportunities for neighbors to safely access areas outside their neighborhood in an eco-friendly way,” said Andy Mooney, executive director at LISC.

Sunday Parkways is modeled after similar successful events in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Bogotá, Colombia. Already this year, U.S. cities New York City and Portland have held similar events.

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