NYC Open Streets
Street Lab works with communities to help launch and operate successful Open Streets across New York City. Open Streets are streets temporarily closed to vehicles that New Yorkers can use to increase public safety, promote health, support local business, strengthen neighborhoods, and bring people together. We partner with grassroots groups, schools, and other community-based organizations to create Open Streets, and we build the capacity of groups to manage and steward these new public spaces into the future.
School Streets
Play Streets
Commercial Corridors
…and more
Since the NYC Open Streets program began in 2020, we’ve worked with 43 groups to create new Open Streets, including a special effort with schools, and we’ve supported 150 Open Streets with programming and activation. This work is part of a longstanding collaboration with NYC Department of Transportation.
What we offer our partners…
One-day Pilots
Explore how an Open Street can work for your community by hosting a one-day pilot on your block, with Street Lab programming and logistical support.
12-month Catalyst Program
Our Catalyst Program provides support with planning, engagement, staffing, programming, operation, and evaluation during the critical first year in order to build community support. The program puts groups on a path to steward Open Streets into the future, helping them become eligible for ongoing support from the city and other sources.
Every partner has different needs—so we also offer…
Application Help
Programming + Kits
Staffing
Community Engagement
Youth Programs
SYEP/Team Training
Design + Fabrication
Street Lab Network
Get started with Street lab!
Open Streets for NYC schools
In New York City, many schools lack outdoor space and are challenged for indoor space as well. This issue is even more urgent where nearby parks and public spaces do not feel safe. Open Streets next to schools offer a solution: dynamic new space for recess, lunch, outdoor classes, after-school clubs, performances, assemblies, and learning opportunities of all kinds. We see a unique opportunity for these new spaces to bring out the best in New Yorkers and make learning a source of pride for the whole neighborhood.
School Streets are major part of Street Lab’s Open Streets Development work, and we offer schools deep support with permits, planning, outreach, community engagement, operations, as well as consistent, high quality programming.
We also offer a curriculum for K-8 students that introduce core concepts of urban planning and engages youth in the planning and activation of an Open Street near their school. Students gain real-world experience in civic engagement, teamwork, and leadership, while discovering the power of shaping the neighborhoods they call home.
Finally, Street Lab has designed a School Streets Kit that combines the best of Street Lab’s award-winning programs for public space, offering students and teachers the tools to transform a block into a pedestrian space that offers outdoor lunch, play, movement, creativity, and learning for all ages.
See photos of our work on School Streets and contact us to get started.
Examples of our Open Streets work…
Beaumont Ave
Belmont, Bronx
PS32 with Equity Design and BX Health REACH
Street Lab has worked with PS 32 since 2022 to develop the Beaumont Ave Open Street, and is now lending the school our “School Street Kit” to enable them to activate and run the Open Street fully on their own, with students leading the way.
Decatur Ave
Fordham, Bronx
Street Lab supported the Decatur Block Association in reviving their old summer Play Street starting in 2024, and ever since has supported the Block Association with programming, kits, staffing and more. The street is now active as a recurring Open Street each year during the summer.
Audubon Ave
Washington Heights, Manhattan
NYC Dept. of Transportation
After 30 weeks of programming between 2024 and 2025 and the installation of a temporary mural, the Audubon Ave Open Street became a permanent plaza in December 2025. Street Lab will continue to support this location with programming.
Mt Hope Pl
Mount Hope, Bronx
PS 28 Mount Hope Centennial School
In 2024, Street Lab helped create a new Open Street with PS 28 to create much-needed space for recess. The Open Street continues to operate each season with a team of student leaders working with Street Lab to engage the school and surrounding community and plan for ongoing, inspiring use of the space.
Grand Ave
Morris Heights, Bronx
Bright Leaders Group Family Daycare
Since 2024, Street Lab has partnered with Bright Leaders Group Family Daycare to operate and activate a new summer Play Street outside their location, creating much-needed space for kids and the community to play and gather.
Jennings St
Morrisania, Bronx
Yolanda “Lonnie” Hardy
For more than a decade, Street Lab has partnered with Yolanda Hardy of Caldwell Enrichment Programs and the residents of Jennings Street in the Bronx to activate Jennings St, including a visit by the New York Yankees in 2023.
Jackson Ave
Melrose, Bronx
PS/MS 5
Street Lab worked with PS/MS 5 to test an Open Street adjacent to the school that could serve as alternative outdoor space while a nearby park was closed for repairs.
Evelyn Pl
Fordham Heights, Bronx
Evelyn Place has served as a gathering space and play street for the community every summer since 2023, recently with expanded hours and additional support from the city. Street Lab has supported this grassroots location since it began, now lending them kits and gear through our Equipment Library.
Bathgate Ave
Belmont, Bronx
PS 59
Building on a successful pilot in 2024-25, Street Lab is now working with PS 59 to sustain their new Open Street with different days for recess, after school programming, outdoor learning, community events, and even lunch outside for students.
Bay Parkway
Bath Beach, Brooklyn
Pineapple Ride
Pineapple Ride approached Street Lab in late 2024 with a vision to transform a waterfront dead end street into a community plaza. To start, we helped the group pilot an Open Street to demonstrate the possibilities of the space and bring immediate change to the forgotten street end. The activation of this space continues with Street Lab supporting alongside the Pineapple team and the pursuit of their vision for change.
Strauss St
Brownsville, Brooklyn
Riverdale Avenue Community School (RACS)
RACS first tested closing their block in 2024 with Street Lab, Equity Design, and NYC Health Department as part of the Brownsville Bike Bus initiative. Since then the street has transformed into a beloved play and community meeting space after school, with weekly support from Street Lab. Most recently, Street Lab created two new designs for the school as well as a mural in a courtyard next to the Open Street.
E 148th St
Mott Haven, Bronx
Equity Design and BX Health REACH
Since first working together to create an Open Street in 2021, Street Lab is returning to PS 18X with our pop-up programs for another season. As ideas for use of the street have progressed, Street Lab is now supporting the school’s vision to use the street to increase bike usage and access in the neighborhood.
Palisade Pl
Morris Heights, Bronx
PS 109
After starting with a one-day pilot Spring 2024, Street Lab assisted PS 109 in joining the Open Streets initiative for the 2024-25 school year. PS 109’s Open Street continues with Street Lab’s support, focusing on creating additional space for recess and outdoor learning.
Recent news about Open Streets
Street Lab Teens taking the lead on the street
Sixteen talented public high school students just wrapped up their work with us, closing a remarkable season of Street Lab Teens where they helped lead Street Lab activations across the city. They collaborated beautifully with each other and our community partners,...
Street Lab’s Leslie Davol introduces Street Lab and NYC DOT partnership
Aug 8, 2023