City of Seattle, WA

09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 16:16

Play Street event fosters fun, laughter, and social connection for older adults in South Park

Neighbors shake hands and share big smiles at a Play Streets community event in South Park on September 24, 2024. Photo credit: Anita Nowacka

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On September 24, we hosted a Play Streets community event in South Park geared toward older adults, in partnership with the Seattle Public Library and South Park Senior Center. The event featured games, chair yoga, salsa dancing, food and refreshments, and even a live DJ! Thank you to everyone who came out to participate with us.

[Link][Link][Link][Link]Community members and elders show off their dance moves at the event. Photo credit: Anita Nowacka

Play Streets allow neighbors to gather, play, and engage in community-building activities. They are designed to encourage social interactions and make public spaces more accessible.

The program aligns with the goals in the Seattle Transportation Plan, Seattle's 20-year vision for the future of transportation in Seattle - particularly the People Streets and Public Spaces element.

If you'd like to apply for a Play Street in your neighborhood, please visit our website to learn more.

[Link][Link]Participants take a break to enjoy fresh food at the event. Photo credit: Anita Nowacka

This event illustrates what's possible when our streets serve as inviting, accessible spaces for people to connect with their neighbors. It also embodies our mission, vision, values, and goals.

We look forward to supporting more community-building events like this in the future. Thanks for your interest!

[Link][Link]City of Seattle staff smile while working and providing refreshments at the event. This includes Kathleen Perez Martinez (Seattle Department of Neighborhoods), Joel Miller, Riya Venkatesh, Kiana Parker, and Allison Schwartz (SDOT), and Mary Mitchell (Seattle Human Services Department).

Reflections from our event participants & partners

"It was a wonderful event. I loved exercising with everyone and being able to dance in the street." - Ranulfo

"It was so fun! I loved the food and yoga. My favorite part was the dance lesson." - Evelyn

"South Park Senior Citizens was so delighted to partner with SDOT and the South Park Seattle Library in the first-ever Senior Play Street Event - it was such an amazing day filled with music, dance, food, and friends! What an exciting opportunity it was to close the street in front of our Center and have everyone gather to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and wonderful sense of community. Thank you SDOT and Seattle Public Library for this wonderful event that lifted hearts and provided smiles all around." - Katherine Jordan, SPSC Executive Director