Fifth Avenue Open Street To Return To Park Slope In April

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Balmy spring days are around the corner, and so is the return of Park Slope's popular Open Street.

The Open Street, which closes 15 blocks of Fifth Avenue to cars between Bergen and 16th streets, will return April 23, organizers with the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District said.

Now in its third year, the popular community space will run from April 23 through Oct. 29 — but organizers are asking for help to keep the operation going.

"This year we're looking forward to an even more exciting and robust schedule of events," organizers wrote on the Open Street fundraising page. "[We] will be receiving some funds from the city, however it won’t be enough," organizers added, setting a community fundraising goal of $30,000.

Money from the fundraiser, which is currently at $4,800, will go towards crew needs (like radios and vests), signage, barriers, and hiring extra crew members for events — which will include an art stroll, pride parade, kids' variety show, and more, this year.

Supporting the Fifth Avenue Open Street crew ensures that the pedestrian boulevards stay safe throughout the season, organizers said.

"Our crew manages bottlenecks on side streets and helps direct traffic. They also assist first responders when they need to get across a closed block. They are there to relieve traffic congestion by offering guidance (alternative routes) and keeping an eye on illegal activity that could endanger our community," organizers wrote.

The Open Street on Fifth Avenue returned last year after a popular first season in 2020, when the city first closed roadways to help New Yorkers dine and spend time outside during the coronavirus crisis.

Dubbed "The Other Fifth," the Fifth Avenue Open Street became a popular destination, staying fully operational even as the city struggled to keep other pedestrian boulevards open.

The space was such a success that it added blocks last season, and received extra resources from the city to open as a "supercharged" (so-called) Open Boulevard.

This season is shaping up to be no different, with a stacked calendar of events running through the fall.

The Other Fifth will operate from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays in April, July, August, September, and October, and on Sundays in May and June (save from June 19, which is the Seventh Avenue Street Fair).

Find out more about the Open Street here, and contribute to the fundraiser here.