Open Streets Asheville initiative takes place downtown on September 18

Press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Open Streets Asheville Inaugural Event Set for Sunday, September 18, 2016

Asheville, North Carolina – June 29, 2016 Open Streets Asheville is set for Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., marking our city’s enthusiastic response to the global open streets movement. Some call it “Asheville’s next big thing.”

The event opens the streets for a few hours of healthy family fun. Our 1.5-mile route is a loop that hugs Asheville landmarks downtown; Open Streets Asheville fills it with people of all ages and almost every activity you can think of that doesn’t include a motor vehicle. Come play in the streets!

In a city that loves its festivals, it’s important to know what’s different about Open Streets Asheville. It’s not a festival, but an exploration of what can happen in the public spaces we call streets when temporarily closed to cars and opened to community. It’s about connecting with your neighbor and with local businesses. It’s about building community, promoting physical activity and sharing fun. Planning began in 2015 for this public-private initiative that’s co-sponsored by Asheville Downtown Association, Buncombe County, City of Asheville, Land of Sky Regional Council, MAHEC, NC Safe Routes to School, UNC-Asheville, Asheville on Bikes, and downtown’s Altamont Environmental, Inc.

Join your neighbors as they walk, bike, shop and skate through the streets of downtown Asheville. Businesses and organizations will host interactive activities for all ages at storefronts and on the streets. Meet new neighbors while you paint a mural; dance; play four-square; test human-powered vehicles and more!

Enthusiasm for our inaugural Open Streets has been wonderful,” says Terri March, Health Improvement Specialist at MAHEC. “We expect Open Streets Asheville will become a regular, much-anticipated part of our community’s culture by promoting health and creating streets that meet the needs of all who live here.” To find out more, visit OpenStreetsAsheville.com. (If your business or organization would like to become a Sponsor or Activity Partner, let us know!)

SHARE
About Max Hunt
Max Hunt grew up in South (New) Jersey and graduated from Warren Wilson College in 2011. History nerd; art geek; connoisseur of swimming holes, hot peppers, and plaid clothing. Follow me @J_MaxHunt

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Open Streets Asheville initiative takes place downtown on September 18

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.