Two community festivals, concerts, skate and BMX expos, art exhibits, petting zoos and bands playing on restaurant patios are some of the entertainment and activities planned for the “Beach Streets Uptown” open-street event on Saturday, June 6. Atlantic Avenue will be opened up for walking, bicycling, skating and socializing, when it’s temporarily closed to vehicle traffic from 9am to 4pm. The transformation will stretch from Wardlow Road to Houghton Park at Harding Avenue, according to the City of Long Beach.
“We have great entertainment and activities planned for families and people of all ages at Beach Streets Uptown,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “It’s a great day to walk, roller-skate or bike in the community and enjoy the best that Long Beach has to offer.”
Entertainment and activities will be provided along the route and at the major hubs of Bixby Knolls, Scherer Park, and Houghton Park.
“I am thrilled to note that the level of excitement from businesses and communities up and down the Atlantic Avenue corridor into the 7th District is rising,” said 7th District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. “Although the 7th District’s portion of the route is relatively short, there is much taking place on this stretch of Beach Streets Uptown. A big entertainment hub will be located near Orozco’s Auto Service and will be complemented by outdoor activities such as music and food at local anchors, including Baja Sonora, Polly’s Pies and the newest member of the Bixby Knolls business community— Deep Blue Swim School.”
The festival at Scherer Park will include a BMX freestyle show, bands, arts and crafts, face painting, inflatable slides and obstacle courses. The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine and the Health Department will provide healthy active-living activities and information, and there will also be an emergency-preparedness expo.
“Beach Streets Uptown will celebrate the wonderful diversity of our neighborhoods, businesses and artistic talent,” said 8th District Councilmember Al Austin. “There is guaranteed to be something for everyone’s tastes along Atlantic Avenue with great food, dozens of live bands, family-friendly activities and many unexpected surprises that will make you want to see what more is in store on the next block.”
Open-street events are gaining popularity throughout North America, according to the City. The events promote the pursuit of innovative strategies to achieve environmental, social, economic and public-health goals. By repurposing streets for cyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users, cities are encouraged to consider other ways our streets can be used.
“Uptown Long Beach will come alive with the Beach Streets Village Fest at Houghton Park,” said 9th District Councilmember Rex Richardson. “There will be live musical performances starting at noon with headliner The Pharcyde, health activations, a skate expo and more. Beach Streets attendees will also experience the Taste of Uptown, a kids’ bike rodeo, petting zoo and art installations. We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure we showcase all the excitement and vitality that defines the 9th District and the ongoing Uptown Renaissance.”
Several intersections for vehicles to cross Atlantic Avenue will be maintained along the route.
Acceptable modes of transportation along the route include: bicycles, skates, rollerblades, skateboards and walking. The only motorized vehicles allowed must be officially marked means of transportation for those with disabilities.
Beach Streets Uptown is funded by LA County Metro. For more information about the entertainment and activities planned, as well as updates, maps and parking information, visit beachstreets.com, follow the event on Twitter and Instagram at @beachstreetslb, or like it on Facebook by searching for “Beach Streets.”
Source: City of LB
