New York City’s popular Summer Streets program concludes this Saturday with its final car‑free day, giving residents of Brooklyn and the Bronx a chance to enjoy open streets, outdoor activities and live entertainment.
Brooklyn portion opens Eastern Parkway
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Parkway will be closed to motor vehicles between Grand Army Plaza and Buffalo Avenue. The stretch links the Prospect Heights and Brownsville neighborhoods and follows the same route used for the annual Caribbean Day Parade. Pedestrians, cyclists and families will find space for walking, running, bike rides, fitness classes, art installations and musical performances.
Bronx segment runs along the Grand Concourse
In the Bronx, the Grand Concourse will be closed to traffic from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway. The car‑free corridor creates a wide, safe pathway for residents to stroll, jog, ride bicycles and take part in family‑friendly activities.
Program highlights and public art
This year’s Summer Streets initiative has opened more than 20 miles of streets across all five boroughs for public use. Among the attractions is the public‑art series “Big Spinning Wheels” by artist Josh Cohen, a collection of kinetic sculptures displayed along the Brooklyn and Bronx routes.
The event is part of the city’s broader effort to promote active transportation, healthy lifestyles and community engagement. By temporarily removing cars, the program encourages New Yorkers to experience their neighborhoods in a new way, fostering a sense of shared space and civic pride.
Community response
Local families and community groups have praised the opportunity to gather outdoors without the usual traffic congestion. Parents noted the benefit of having a safe environment for children to play and exercise, while cyclists welcomed the expanded routes for riding.
City officials highlighted that the program aligns with broader goals to improve public health, reduce emissions and make streets more livable. The final day marks the end of the 2026 Summer Streets season, but organizers indicated plans to continue the initiative in future years.
Media partnership
WABC‑TV serves as the official media sponsor of Summer Streets, providing coverage and promotion of the event throughout the city.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
