Park Slope's Open Streets Seeks Donations As Season Nears

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Open Street season is yet again close at hand for Park Slope — and some cold hard cash is needed to help run the car-free event, organizers said.

Fifth Avenue will close to vehicle traffic Saturdays starting May 6, according to the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District.

For Park Slopers, that means walking and biking along the normally busy road without worry, outdoor dining and street fairs and performances.

But closing the blocks doesn't happen on its own, organizers with the BID said. They set up a fundraiser to raise $40,000 to cover costs for the whole season, which runs till Oct. 28.

"We will apply for a grant from DoT when they become available, but this does not cover everything we need," the fundraiser states.

"We thank you for any support you can give."

Just over $1,500 has been raised as of Friday afternoon.

This isn't the first time Open Streets organizers in Park Slope — or elsewhere in the city — have asked locals for financial help.

The wider Open Streets program has proved popular since it launched as the coronavirus struck, but community groups from its beginning have had to raise money to keep them running.

"Operating Open Streets requires people to open and close the blocks to traffic, manage emergency situations, support small businesses and keep you safe," the Fifth Avenue fundraiser states. "Barricades, signage, insurance, radios, payroll taxes and safety items are costs we have to cover."

Open Streets along Park Slope's Fifth Avenue will run from May 6 to July 29, take a break for August and Labor Day weekend, and return from Sept. 9 to Oct. 29.

The following blocks will be closed along Fifth Avenue:

• Bergen Street to Prospect Place
• Sterling Place to Union Street
• President Street to Fifth Street
• Sixth Street to Eighth Street

The fundraiser can be found here.