Play Streets Are Coming!
Many adults can remember a time when children spent more time outdoors, and neighborhood streets were filled with the sounds of kids playing. While we still see many children in our neighborhood today, kids are more likely to play in their own homes, yards, or on screens.
In order to encourage more outdoor play and community connection, the North Chattanooga Neighborhood Association (NCNA) is excited to announce our Play Streets initiative. Play Streets are scheduled times when selected streets are closed to through traffic, creating safe spaces for children to play and neighbors to connect. This concept, already successful in other cities, represents a return to a time when streets weren’t just for cars – they were extensions of our front yards and gathering places for our communities.
The first NCNA Play Streets event will take place on Boylston Street, on Friday, April 11th from 5:00 PM–6:30PM. Please note, Boylston Street from Tremont to Beck will be closed to cars from 4:30 PM until 7:00PM the day of the event.
Play Streets will take place in the streets and in public spaces like sidewalks and greenways. Attendees should not be in a private yard unless invited.
RSVP Here
- The event is intentionally "low-program" and meant for parents to "life guard" rather than to be overly involved in the playing.
- We will provide bubbles and chalk, and we ask you to bring Amazon boxes for fort building and other creative play!
- We will also have an section for young children to play together with a bit of protection from older kids.
- All attendees should clean up after themselves as they leave.
- A parent or caregiver is required to be in attendance. Please bring a camp chair and enjoy the fun!
- Pets are not allowed at Play Streets.
We would love to see you at the event, and all are welcome even if you aren't a part of NCNA! Remember, Play Streets aren’t just about creating spaces for play – they’re about strengthening our community bonds, improving all of our well-being, and making North Chattanooga an even better place to live.
The future Play Streets are already planned. Hope you can join us!
May 9th on Hanover Street
June 13th on Colville Street
July 11th on Endicott Street
August 8th on Normal Avenue
September 12th on Dartmouth Street
October 10th on Boylston Street (again!)
If you would be interested in helping us with some of these future events, fill out this form!
