Our work at NYC Play Streets

Play streets are a long-standing tradition in New York City, where streets are closed to traffic for play, usually during summer when school is out. When we began working at play streets in 2013, their number appeared to be growing, with support from the city’s health department. We brought pop-up reading rooms and other opportunities for learning to the street, right next to basketball games and open hydrants. In the years that followed, city support waned, and we saw play streets begin to close down. We also heard from parents and caregivers that they sometimes felt safer with children indoors, even if it meant more screen time.

In 2020, the city began its Open Streets program in response to the pandemic, and we launched our PLAY program with the goal of bringing kids outside again, alongside family and friends. The resurgence of play streets today is bringing together people of all ages and strengthening communities across the city. We’ve got plans to help expand and nurture these new public spaces in the years ahead—contact us to get involved!

A child jumping over an obstacle course.

People gathered around a wooden reading cart in the park.

Collectively our group has 100+ years on Decatur, all being born and raised here. We are trying to foster a community, where our children feel safe in our streets. A place where they can play and learn all at once. A community where we can actually commune with our neighbors.”

Nkosa Barrett

Decatur Block Association