On Sunday, October 22, Walk Bike Nashville and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) hosted Open Streets presented by Amazon.
With over 24 partners to bring the streets to life, Arthur Avenue became car-free from Buchanan Street to 10th Avenue North so community members could enjoy a streetscape activated with artists, music, businesses, and activities of all kinds. Open Streets is a worldwide movement designed to stir the imagination to rethink public spaces.
“This event is a celebration of streets for people. Unlike a typical festival that lines the route with booths and vendors, you’re more likely to see activities and art projects, and large stretches of the streetscape that is open to all users to do what they want. Neighbors socialize, kids run free, and all users gain a whole new perspective of what this large public space could be,” said Walk Bike Nashville Executive Director Meredith Montgomery.
An opening ceremony kicked off the event at noon with featured speakers including Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Councilman Brandon Taylor, Councilman Jacob Kupin, and Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure Director Diana Alarcon. More than 30 non-profit partners, local businesses, and artists hosted activities, performances, and engagement with the attendees. Two community art projects were also installed at Elizabeth Park during the event including a street mural and an artistic fence installation at the basketball court.
“We’re excited to partner with Walk Bike Nashville on Open Streets this year. Making streets safer and more accessible for everyone is the number one priority of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure,” said NDOT Director Diana Alarcon. “Events like this highlight the importance of streets being designed for people, not just cars.”
