Location Profile: Jackson Ave & E 150th St

Melrose, Bronx

Street Lab began working with PS/MS 5 in Spring 2023 to explore an Open Street adjacent to the school that would serve as alternative outdoor space during the three years that the nearby park, Pontiac Playground, will be closed for repairs. Working in partnership with Equity Design and Bronx Health REACH, PS/MS 5 came up with a vision to use the Open Street as a space for recess, PE classes, outdoor learning, arrival and dismissal help, and community events in light of losing their beloved park space. In the fall of 2023, Street Lab helped the school to pilot this vision, producing and programming three Open Street events on Jackson Avenue, including a “Trick-or-Streets” event attended by the NYC Department of Transportation’s Commissioner. The school also held their own parade and celebration on the street, sharing performances by their student dance troupe with the whole community. Heading into 2024, Street Lab is helping with the Open Streets application, program planning, and capacity building within the school, engaging with students, parents, teachers, and staff.

A black and white map of NYC zoomed in to only see some parts of the "Bronx," "Manhattan," and "Queens" with a green dot on a street in the Bronx.

Jackson Ave (PS/MS 5) between E 149 St and Pontiac Pl

Our Community Partner

PS/MS 5 Port Morris School of Community Leadership is a NYC Public School that serves approximately 600 students from the South Bronx/Melrose region.

A group of kids jumping on hurdles on an open street in NYC.

People drawing on an One Big Table by an organization Street Lab at an open street in NYC.

A photo of New Yorkers with the NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez

A woman reading a picture book to a boy on a plastic bench in a street.

A boy dressed up as Sonic the hedgehog drawing on a Street Lab's One Big Table in the street.

Look back at our work at Jackson Ave & E 150th St

Creating a safe place to celebrate Halloween on the street in the Bronx

Nov 2, 2023

On Halloween, Street Lab hosted a special Open Streets event on Jackson Avenue in the Bronx as part of the NYC Dept. of Transportation's “Trick-or-Streets” celebration, which created nearly 100 safe streets for communities to gather and celebrate citywide. Located...