Windsor’s streets open up again on Sept. 17
The largest free recreation program in the city’s history is coming up and everyone’s welcome to join the party for Open Streets Windsor.
On Sunday, Sept. 17, with new extended hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. a designated route will be closed to vehicular traffic and open to people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
“Feedback was overwhelming ly positive for our two events in 2016, but the one recommendation the City heard over and over again was to extend the hours so everybody has a chance to join,” says project manager Michael Chantler. “The City took that message to heart, and we’re very excited to offer a full day of activity for 2017.”
For those who may have missed them in July and September of last year, Open Streets are unique events that have been held in more than 100 cities in North America. It involves the temporary closure of roadways to vehicular traffic, allowing people to use them for a host of healthy and fun physical activities like walking, cycling, yoga, dancing and fitness.
The Open Streets Windsor trail spans approximately eight kilometres and will connect business districts and residential neighbour hoods all the way from Sandwich Town in the west to Ford City in the east.
New this year - Ontario 150 Celebration
Open Streets has an entire hub this year dedicated to Ontario’s 150th anniversary and the magnificent history and diversity in our community. Visit the Ontario 150 Hub on University Avenue between Bruce and Janette. Learn about using 3 D printing to create a model of our provincial flower, the Trillium. Take a break from the route to sit and enjoy a musical or dance performance by one of the city’s many multicultural groups. View the Museum Windsor and First Nations exhibits or join in with everyone painting a mural. Enjoy a cookie as you celebrate Ontario’ s 150 with your friends, family and neighbours.
Additional hubs all along the route will include a host of fun and family friendly activities,from music, popcorn and games in Sandwich to arts and crafts, giant Jenga and a rib cook-off in Ford City.
“Our list of activities for this year’s event is truly aweinspiring,” says Chantler. “The creativity this event inspires in groups and businesses throughout our community is incredible, and you won’t want to miss what they have to offer. There’s really something for everyone!”
Volunteers wanted
An estimated 10,000 people enjoyed each of the first Open Streets Windsor events last July and September and the City owes its success in 2016 in large part to the fantastic fleet of volunteers who helped out during the event. With that in mind, the City is asking for the community’s help again for the big event in 2017.
The City is looking for volunteers who are “fun, friendly and excited about making a difference.
“Like any great, large-scale community event, Open Streets depends on the dedication and service of its many volunteers ,” says Ch antler .“Our team was fantastic last year, and we hope you’ll consider being part of history with us for our Ontario 150 Celebration too.”
To join the team on Sunday, Sept. 17, visit the Volunteer for Open Streets page on citywindsor.ca to learn more and sign up online.
Volunteer shifts run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Safety vests and water to be provided at the event times. Volunteer duties will be centred around barricade maintenance, visitor greeting and ensuring safe traffic flow along the route.
Cars will be able to cross the route at 11 signalized intersections:
• Huron Church Road at University Avenue West
• Crawford Avenue at University Avenue West
• Bruce Avenue at University Avenue West
• Victoria Avenue at University Avenue West
• Pelissier Street at University Avenue West
• McDougall Street at University Avenue East
• Glengarry Avenue at University Avenue East
• Parent Avenue at Wyandotte Street East
• Gladstone Avenue at Wyandotte Street East
• Lincoln Road at Wyandotte Street East
• Walker Road at Wyandotte Street East
For a complete list of activities and to learn more about Open Streets Windsor, call 311 or visit citywindsor.ca. You can also follow Open Streets Windsor and tag photos #OSWindsor, and join the Open Streets Windsor - Ontario 150 Celebration event page on Facebook.