Philadelphia Streets Close to Cars for Fun Activities

Some of Philadelphia's busiest streets became car-free zones on Tuesday evening. The Center City District started a new program called Open Streets: Midtown Village. This program closes parts of three streets to cars so people can walk around safely. The streets that closed were 13th Street, Sansom Street, and Drury Street.

The program runs every Tuesday in June from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Workers close the streets from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. to set up and clean up. People can eat outside, listen to music, play mini golf, and watch artists paint. All of these activities are free for everyone to enjoy.

Many people came out on Tuesday night to try the new program. Kiri Hoerman said she felt like she was relaxing at the beach in the middle of a busy city. She thought it was fun and different. The program gives restaurants and stores more space to serve customers outside. It also lets people walk around without worrying about cars.

Restaurant owners are excited about the program. Valerie Price manages Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar. She said they love having more people see their restaurant. She also likes being able to serve food outside in the fresh air. Store owners say more people walk by and notice their shops too.

Some people who visited think the program should happen all the time. Max Brenneman lives in South Philadelphia. He said the street is usually hard to cross because of traffic. He thinks closing the street to cars should be permanent. Many other visitors agreed with him.

Darren Nowicki manages Shibe Vintage Sports store. He said more people walk by his store now. People who come for dinner see his products and get excited. They often come into the store to buy things. This helps his business make more money.

The Center City District has done Open Streets events before. They have held them in Rittenhouse Square on weekends. This is the first time they tried it on weekday evenings. Giavana Suraci Pruitt works for the Center City District. She said they want office workers to stay and hang out after work instead of going straight home.

The program will continue every Tuesday in June. If lots of people come and businesses do well, it might become a summer tradition. The organizers hope people will keep coming to enjoy the car-free streets. They think Midtown Village is a perfect place for people to relax and have fun.