The block commonly known as the Y-block, north of the Governor’s Mansion will have a new form of traffic around it August 21st from 10am to 2pm. Downtown Springfield Incorporated is working to create a vibrant city that is happy, healthy, and fun! Open Streets is a FREE event for the whole family that encourages Springfield residents to use downtown streets in an exciting new way. This event temporarily closes streets to motor traffic, and replaces it with “people traffic” and makes the streets into “paved parks.” This provides an event where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can improve their health!
“My family loves the opportunity that Downtown Open Streets gives us to experience the heart of our city in a different way,” said Josh Sabo, co-chair of the Open Streets committee. “It is so much fun to see the community gather to play and enjoy all that downtown has to offer!”
Some of the free activities during Open Streets include riding, jogging, and walking around the Illinois Governor’s Mansion and the downtown “Y-Block”. Visiting downtown businesses for lunch or shopping. Learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle in the Springfield community. Testing your skills at the all ages bicycle course! Participating in a multitude of many different health and wellness activities, including a fitness event hosted by the Black Chamber of Commerce.
“Come downtown and join us for a one-of-a-kind pop-up health & fitness activation bringing together the best Black fitness instructors, personal trainers and health professionals from Springfield in one area for one day” says Dominic Watson, CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce.
Other local partnerships that will be making this day spectacular are Springfield Bicycle Club, the YMCA, Central Baptist Church, Springfield Police Department, Springfield Running Center, Physiotherapy, Junior League, Bicycle Doctor, Divine Nine, the Phoenix Center, and the Illinois Historic Sites! Some activities will include a meet and greet, Operation Juicebox by the Springfield Police Department. A giveaway from our friends at the Springfield Running Club. A bike maintenance clinic presented by the Bicycle Doctor. The Phoenix Center will be providing information services as well as HIV and Hepatitis C testing. And the Illinois Historic Sites Walk, Hike, Bike history program! Dr. Nicole Florence with Memorial Medical Center Weight Loss and Wellness Center will also be hosting a special Chop’d event to show residents how to eat healthy in our community!
This is the 3rd year of this great event, which offers opportunities for all members of our community to come and participate in fun activities and learn more about physical and mental health.” says Graham Prellwitz, Vice President of the Board of DSI and chairman of the committee. “Downtown Springfield Inc has many outstanding partners in the health and wellness industry and we hope that everyone who is a supporter of downtown will join us for this great event!”
This event will comply with the current COVID safety recommendations.
