Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Partner Organizations Unite and Activate Neighborhoods through Fun, Safe Play
Community-Driven Spring Break Events Tackle Barriers to Neighborhood Play
CHICAGO, March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois:
WHO: Powered by the Partnership for a Healthier America, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
The Active Transportation Alliance, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago and World Sport Chicago, in partnership with eight community-based organizations;
WHAT: Will encourage fun, safe play over Spring Break through the continuation of the Play Streets initiative launched last year by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and the Chicago Department of Public Health. Community-based organizations will lead local events to engage neighborhood residents.
At all of the events, spaces will be opened to the community for activities, games, sports, dance and play. Play Streets events are free; members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.
WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, March 23rd, 2013, 11:00am – 3:00pm @ Irving Park YMCA
(4251 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL) – OLD IRVING\ALBANY PARK
Monday, March 25th, 2013, 10:00am – 1:00pm @ Dulles Elementary School
(Block 6300 of S Calumet Ave, Chicago, IL) – WOODLAWN
Monday, March 25th, 2013, 3:30pm – 6:30pm @ Gary/Ortiz Elementary Campus (Block 3000 of S Hamlin Ave, Chicago, IL) – LITTLE VILLAGE
Tuesday, March 26th 2013, 12:00pm – 4:00pm @ S Prairie St & E Garfield Blvd
(Block 5500 of S Prairie St) – WASHINGTON PARK
Rain Location: Washington Park Field House (5531 S Martin Luther King Dr)
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013, 12:00pm – 3:00pm @ Stanton Park
(618 W Scott St, Chicago, IL) – NEAR NORTH
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013, 12:00pm – 3:30pm @ Crane High School
(2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL) – NEAR WEST
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013, 2:00pm – 6:00pm @ Morrill Elementary School
(Block 6000 of S Rockwell St, Chicago, IL) – CHICAGO LAWN
Friday, March 29th, 2013, 11:00am – 2:00pm @ S Peoria St & W 63rd St
(Block 6200 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL) – ENGLEWOOD
Rain Location: Salvation Army Red Shield Center (945 W 69th St)
WHY: Play Streets events in Chicago aim to tackle the various barriers to play including: promoting safety, opening public spaces, changing sedentary habits and providing resources and technical support for community-based organizations to facilitate play. The Chicago network will promote fun, healthy living, safer blocks and community cohesion.
The Chicago events this year will be among the first of a national, year-long movement to get community members outside and active. Play Streets events are taking place in ten cities across the country.
MORE: Local community-organizers include: Beyond the Ball (Little Village), YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Albany Park\Old Irving), Near North Unity Program (Near North), Near West Side Community Development Corporation (Near West), Network of Woodlawn's Public Safety Alliance (Woodlawn), Quad Communities Development Corporation (Washington Park), Southwest Organizing Project (Chicago Lawn) and Teamwork Englewood (Englewood).
SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Share this article