The NYC Department of Transportation’s Open Streets program creates spaces for children by closing off the streets from cars and traffic. The street can then be used for outdoor learning and recess. The Open Streets are run by nearby Pre-K, K-12, or higher education schools and have additional benefits to the schools like improved air quality and increased safety.
School administrators who are interested in applying for an Open Street can begin by choosing a street they believe might be a good fit around the school and decide on which ways the space will be used i.e recess, after school programs, and community programming. Then, the school needs to engage with community stakeholders and obtain three letters of support. To learn more about the Open Streets program to share with your school community, visit here.
