Park Slope's Open Street Season Is Ready To Kick Off

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Open Streets season in Park Slope is almost here.

Every Saturday starting this weekend will see 16 blocks "closed" — that is, to car traffic — along Fifth Avenue. An additional full block around the new Fourth Street Plaza, local organizers said.

With no motor vehicles, Park Slopers will be free once again to frolic on foot, bicycle, skateboard, electric scooter, Onewheel, unicycle or any other non-car conveyance while local bars and restaurants set up entertainment and refreshments along the thoroughfare.

"We are providing public space for all as well as extra seating for restaurants and bars and space for small shops to show off their wares," said Joanna Tallantire, the executive director of the Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Improvement District.

A ribbon cutting for this fourth Park Slope Open Street season will be Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of High Dive bar along Fifth Avenue near Carroll Street, organizers said.

This season will focus on dance and music, Tallantire said, adding, "we really want to see people enjoying the space, having their birthday parties, and drawing chalk art, and playing and hanging out together."

A fundraiser to drum up $40,000 for the costs of running the Open Streets this season is halfway to its goal, Tallantire said.

Another $20,000 is needed, she said.

"Reduced funding from the City is simply not enough to cover all the costs. If you enjoy this public space program, please donate to support it," she said.

Open Streets will be on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10pm, unless otherwise stated. The first round of dates run from May 6 to July 29.

There will then be a break in August through Labor Day weekend.

The next block of dates will be Sept. 9 to Oct. 28.

Streets will be closed from Bergen Street to Park Place, Sterling Place to Union Street and President Street to Third Street.

Third to Fourth streets will be closed from 2:30 to 10 p.m., Fourth to Fifth streets will be 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sixth to Eighth streets will be 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Fourth Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues will be closed seven days a week to traffic.