By: Ashmar Mandou

Focusing on a holistic approach to improving physical and mental of families across the City of Chicago, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will once again transform neighborhoods into a safe play space for children to enjoy with the help of the PlayStreets initiative. “Having safe places to play and exercise helps families build the foundation for healthy bodies, minds and social skills,” said Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, MD, MPH, CDPH Commissioner. “Through these safe play spaces families can spend time together, reducing anxiety, depression, and improving moods while building relationships with other children and families. Combating health disparities starts with removing the structural barriers that limit opportunities for safe recreation outdoors.” 

PlayStreets closes specific neighborhood streets to traffic for three or more hours to transform the community into safe, supervised play areas for families to stay active and healthy. This PlayStreets Week will highlight prioritized communities and the organizations dedicated to servicing the children and families who live in these areas. Since 2012, the Chicago Department of Public Health has issued summer implementation grants and offered technical support to various community-based organizations, such as the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council and Impact Family Center for the development of PlayStreets in underserved communities on the South and West sides. “We thank CDPH and the current administration for allowing us to bring PlayStreets to the most in need communities on the Far South Side,” said Tina Sanders, Chief Executive Officer, Phalanx Family Services. “PlayStreets provides fun and healthy activities for our youth and their families. These events are a great resource in connecting communities to much needed resources and information this summer.” 

PlayStreets events usually feature various sports activities, games, bounce houses, dancing, fitness classes, healthy snacks, and more. Last summer, more than 30,000 residents participated in 180 PlayStreets events across the city. This year, an “End of School Year, Summer Kick Off” launch of the PlayStreets program had 30 PlayStreets events occur, with more than 200 scheduled for later this summer.  BUILD, Inc. and Phalanx Family Services are coordinating the events this year on behalf of CDPH. They are working with more than 30 grassroots community partners to help host the events and empower residents to take back their streets for fun and fitness. “We are proud to partner with the City of Chicago to provide opportunities for children, youth and families to participate in PlayStreets events across the city,” said Adam Alonso, Chief Executive Officer of BUILD, Inc. “Sometimes we forget how important play is for children. It is fundamental. Let’s go out and play.” PlayStreets Week events:

• Thursday, July 25th, Back Of The Yards Neighborhood Council, 4PM – 7PM, 5000 South Aberdeen 

• Thursday, July 25th, UCAN, 4PM – 7PM, 1300 South Trip

• Friday, July 26th, Breakthrough, 4PM – 7PM, 339 North St. Louis

• Friday, July 26th, Hey Benji, 12 PM – 4 PM, 6500 South Marshfield

• Friday, July 26th, New Life Foundation, 4PM – 7PM, 3917 West Division

• Saturday, July 27th, A Blessing Hand, 12PM – 3PM, 5800 South Troy

• Saturday, July 27th, Bebe’s Ark Youth Organization, 11AM – 4PM, 5600 West Madison

• Saturday, July 27th, Chicago Westside Chambers, 10:30AM – 2PM, 4041 West Roosevelt

• Saturday, July 27th, Envision, 2PM – 6PM, 3500 South Hoyne

• Saturday, July 27th, LifeScore Foundation, 12PM – 3 PM, 4700 South Wabash

• Saturday, July 27th, Northwest Center, 12PM – 4PM, 12 PM – 4PM, 2119 North Kilpatrick

• Saturday, July 27th, Saint Stephan Community Center, 1PM – 4PM, 3042 West Washington

• Sunday, July 28th, City Motivators, 3 PM – 6 PM, 12600 South Eggleston