Our work at NYC Play Streets
Play streets are a long-standing tradition in New York City where streets are closed to traffic for play, usually during summer when school is closed. We began working at play streets in 2013, when their number appeared to be growing, thanks to support from the city’s health department and work by Transportation Alternatives. However in the ensuing years, we witnessed the closing of many play streets in favor of more structured and controlled environments for kids—a pattern noted by others as well. We also heard that it was safer to keep children indoors at home, despite the fact that they inevitably spent more time in front of screens.
With the launch of the city’s new Open Streets program, started in response to the pandemic, play streets have officially found a “home” and support from the city’s Dept. of Transportation. Several new play streets have been launched (some run by the Fresh Air Fund) and others are experiencing a kind of re-birth.
We believe that city children need space for unstructured, spontaneous, voluntary play, so will continue to try to play a role in making that happen.
Got a play street in your neighborhood? Let's work together.
Photos of our work at NYC Play Streets:
Uni Reading Room, East Harlem Play Street
See gallery of photos of Uni reading room, E104th St, East Harlem, July and August, 2014.
Uni Reading Room, West Harlem Play Street
See gallery of photos of Uni reading room, W136th St, West Harlem, July and August, 2014.
Uni Reading Room, Jennings Play Street, Bronx
See gallery of photos of Uni reading room, Jennings St, Bronx, NY, July and August, 2014.
Uni Reading Room, Rivera Ave Play Street, Bronx
See gallery of photos of Uni reading room, Rivera Ave, Bronx, NY, July and August, 2014.
Uni Reading Room, Irving Play Street, Brooklyn
See gallery of photos of Uni reading room, Irving Street, Brooklyn, NY, July and August, 2014.
Uni Reading Room, Forest Ave Play Street, Bronx
See gallery of photos of Uni reading room, Forest Ave, Bronx, NY, July and August, 2014.
Blog posts about our work at NYC Play Streets:
Quarterly email sent! Catch up on our work, fall 2020.
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Activating an Open Street in East Harlem
Today Street Lab went to East Harlem to join our friends at Uptown Grand Central to: activate an Open Street, provide a place for community, and encourage passersby to support local restaurants. We brought PLAY NYC, our program for safe, hands-free play on streets,...
Have fun, stay safe—new signage for PLAY NYC
Here's a preview of new signage for PLAY NYC, which hits the streets tomorrow, starting a four week run across New York City. Designed for Street Lab by Alex Ching, these signs will help our staff and our community partners guide kids and families to stay safe, while...