From smoking to soda, the city does its fair sharing of meddling when it comes to our collective health and well-being. I see the argument from both sides: on one hand, you have biological and nutritional fact, and, on the other, we do still reside in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Where I say a resounding “yay” to the mayoral agenda is: Summer Streets.
On three Saturdays in August, runners, bikers and rollerbladers rule the road from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park (East 72nd Street) on Park Avenue. This year’s events are August 3, 10 and 17 (mark your calendars now, 7am-1pm), and, in true New York City fashion, the DOT will up the ante with a host of artsy new features and sporty activities:
For the first time ever, the Park Avenue Tunnel will be open to pedestrians via Voice Tunnel, an interactive light and sound installation. Spotlights within the tunnel will be influenced by the volume of people’s voices as they pass through from 33rd to 40th Streets.
In Soho, there will be a rock climbing wall as part of REI’s Adventure Zone.
And, in Midtown, fitness classes by Reebok and CrossFit demos.
A few of my favorite photos from past Summer Streets…
Remember the container pools, right outside Grand Central?
And, of course, no Summer Streets is complete without a full-on feast at Whole Foods’ City Picnic at 25th Street. Any opportunity to eat gelato…I partake.
This summer, I’m most excited about the Zip Line downtown at Foley Square. My last one was exactly five years ago in Mendoza, Argentina with two of my best friends. It was both kinda crazy and crazy fun. I’m a little afraid of heights (as you know from here), but, hey, ya only go around once. Who’s with me?
If you’re in, let’s do it together. Comment here or email me: strengthandsolenyc@gmail.com.
This sounds so fun! Wish D.C. had something like this…