February Challenge Grant Event Recap!
February 2016 kicked off a series of seven Great Streets Challenge Grant events in two months! Below is a quick recap of the projects and programs that our amazing partners led. Feel like you missed out? Check out our upcoming events here!
I Heart [Re]seda
Reseda Blvd - Northridge | February 6, 2016
Hundreds of Reseda Boulevard residents and stakeholders came out for "I Heart Reseda," the culminating event of the [Re]visit [Re]seda Challenge Grant. The program included a poetry slam, art show, live music, food trucks and more activities that got people out on the street enjoying public life. Thanks to our amazing parters: the Office of Councilmember Mitch Englander, the Northridge Chamber of Commerce, Northridge South Neighborhood Council, the Museum of the San Fernando Valley, CSUN, and the Northridge Sparkle Campaign.
Connect the Dots
Van Nuys Blvd - Van Nuys | February 20, 2016
The Challenge Grant event Connect the Dots brought more than 200 people to Van Nuys Boulevard on February 20, 2016 for free outdoor design workshops and a street fair celebrating the Great Street's vibrant future. The event hosted two workshops that asked residents to imagine Van Nuys Boulevard performing at its fullest potential: providing a public space that is engaging at all times; a healthy, active transit corridor in a lively economic zone; and a strategic groundwater-recharge asset. Van Nuys was partially closed to increase pedestrian space and create a temporary bike lane, and vacant store fronts were activated with art and cultural activities. The event was led by the Arid Lands Institute of Woodbury University in partnership with Pacoima Beautiful, LA County Bicycle Coalition, and Council District 6.
Street Beats
Crenshaw Blvd - Hyde Park | February 20, 2016
On February 20, the Street Beats Challenge Grant event transformed the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Florence Avenue through music and safer public spaces. Musical instruments and DJs were placed on each corner of the intersection and, using wireless speakers, anyone on the street was welcome to create beats, melody, and music. The event also demonstrated temporary painted curb extensions and a pedestrian scramble that allowed pedestrians to cross in every direction while all cars were held. Huge thanks to the Hyde Park community, volunteers, and our partners: the Office of Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Community Health Councils, T.R.U.S.T. South LA, Ride On! Bike Co-op, and Studio MMD.
Youth Envisioned Streets
Central Ave - South LA | February 27, 2016
Last weekend, our Challenge Grant team on Central Avenue – Youth Envisioned Streets (YES) – held their street improvement demonstration and community celebration! The goal of YES was to inspire students and community members in South LA to re-envision Central Avenue as a healthy and vibrant corridor. YES was held in conjunction with A Place Called Home’s annual Health and Garden Expo, where community members could sample healthy foods and learn how to prepare healthy meals. A primary event objective was to showcase as many community-based organizations as possible, including small businesses, local supply vendors, community artists, and nearly 200 local volunteers. Over 1,500 people attended the event and 400 surveys were collected in English and Spanish. The National Health Foundation served as the YES project leader and hopes this event will serve as a model to address the social determinants of health, including economic vitality, healthy eating and activity, and community vibrancy.
