WHAT IS IT? Open Streets are a different way to experience a public space normally dominated by car traffic: without cars! Think of a South American ciclovia, or your favorite pedestrian street in Europe, or here in the U.S. Think of urban places you’ve enjoyed walking, biking, on roller-skates or pogo-sticks, you name it! How would our neighborhood and city be different with more sidewalks, bike lanes, greenways, and streets we could safely share with vehicles?
OKAY, BUT WHAT IS IT? We’re closing Thompson Street in Oakley to car traffic from Stoner Road to Glendale Ave. That’s… basically it. Well, we’ll have some fun events; and we’ll be there, your neighbors. But otherwise, it’s your space to (legally) do what you want: Bring your kids and have roller races. Bring your lawn chairs and party games. Bring your Zumba class. Bring pets. DON’T bring alcohol or illegal substances, because we do NOT have ABC permits. (But there are two pretty cool breweries *right there*, just saying.) What will we do with a whole street? We’re going to figure it out – promise.
SOUND COOL? Okay, great! Because we are going to put out calls for volunteers and suggestions soon. Just go ahead and get it on your calendar now. Clicking “Interested” or “I’m Going” will get you future updates and opportunities to participate, so do that! (Just, you know, honestly, so we can get some ideas of attendance.) And share this with our other Oakley and East Asheville neighbors, too. Let’s have some fun! See you on the street!