Summer in New York is synonymous with beaches, parks, family barbecues and visits to restaurants and terraces to enjoy the heat, but the “Summer Streets” program is also added to the package of possibilities, which officially kicks off this weekend in the Big Apple in Queens and Staten Island. Families and residents of the five boroughs can take advantage of car-free spaces to entertain themselves and watch artistic and sporting performances.
And city officials are urging New Yorkers to take advantage and join in the activities that will take place on the program’s designated corridors, which together add up to nearly 20 miles in length. The selected streets will be pedestrian and bicyclist only, and this year they will be open for longer periods of time, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on five Saturdays in July and August.
“Experience an unforgettable summer in the city as Summer Streets returns bigger and better than ever, offering extended hours for everyone to enjoy a beautiful summer day,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “There’s nothing like summer in New York City – from al fresco dining, free outdoor activities to vibrant open streets and arts experiences, we’ve got it all.”
Last year, nearly 500,000 people enjoyed the Summer Streets initiative with walks, runs, bike rides and games. The car-free routes remain the same across all five boroughs, with the exception of a new route launching on Staten Island.
“New York City is back, and with our Summer of Possibilities, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the five boroughs. Whether you want to find a new job, enjoy a summer concert, take in our largest summer street program yet, or participate in so much more our city has to offer,” said Mayor Eric Adams.
“Our administration is working every day to ensure that our city is working to give you the summer you want and deserve. This city is full of possibilities!”
This Saturday, July 27, the program will be in Queens County along Vernon Boulevard from 44th Drive to 30th Drive in Long Island City and Astoria. Also in Staten Island, it will run along Broadway from Richmond Terrace to Clove Road, through West Brighton.
On Saturday, August 3, 10, and 17, the initiative will run in Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge to Harlem, along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue to 109th Street; in Central Park North from Fifth Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard; and along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard from 110th Street to 125th Street. On Saturday, August 24, it will extend to the Bronx along the Grand Concourse from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway, and in Brooklyn on Eastern Parkway, from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue, connecting to Prospect Heights and Brownsville.
“Summers in New York City are hot. Enjoy the hottest block party in the country, with nearly 20 miles of car-free ‘Summer Streets.’ Then cool off in one of our dozens of pools, miles of beaches or sprinkler play areas,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “The fun is non-stop.”
The Department of Transportation added that this year it issued an open call to select “vibrant and interactive” artworks to be installed along the program’s routes on the five dates of the event.
“Each borough will feature an interactive art installation by artist Cynthia Alberto and her studio, Weaving Hand, where visitors are invited to learn traditional weaving using unconventional materials and work together to create a large Summer Streets community artwork. Experience ‘Weaving Together 2024’ at the 30 Drive and Vernon Boulevard rest stop in Queens or the Richmond Terrace and Broadway at Wayne Street rest stop in Staten Island this weekend,” they concluded. “NYC Art Stop Letters returns with four new designs by artist Yukiko Izumi that will be placed along the routes. Take a selfie with the letters on Vernon Boulevard at 31 Avenue in Queens and on Broadway at Skinner Lane in Staten Island.”