Sunday Parkways Returns After 2-Year Pandemic Related Break

PORTLAND, OR — This weekend will mark the 15th year of Portland's Sunday Parkways program that closes off streets to car traffic for the part of the day. After skipping two years for pandemic-related reasons, the program returns Sunday in the Cully neighborhood.

Beginning at 11 a.m., six miles of streets in Cully will be shut down to cars and replaced by people walking, bicycling, enjoying food and music and just enjoying the day, officials said.

The streets will remain closed to cars through 4 p.m, according to the city.

"There is a strong link between physical activity and health and mental wellness," said Wendy Watson, the chief operating officer of Kaiser Permanente's Northwest Region, which sponsors the events.

"Encouraging people to walk, ride and bike Sunday Parkways with friends and family is a great way for everyone to get out, get active and get to know their neighbors, while also allowing us to improve the mental health and resilience of our local communities."

The next event will be Aug. 21 in East Portland.