The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is once again setting the stage for a summer filled with movement and community cohesion through its annual PlayStreets initiative. The event, spearheaded by CDPH in collaboration with local organizations, transforms neighborhood streets into car-free zones, converting them into pop-up play areas for youth and families. According to the official press release, this year's series kicked off with a robust schedule featuring 14 PlayStreets Week events from July 22-28.

Since its inception in 2012, the program has worked to counteract health disparities by providing communities with opportunities to engage in free, healthy activities. Such initiatives are instrumental in combating the structural challenges that plague underserved areas, particularly those on the city's South and West sides. “Having safe places to play and exercise helps families build the foundation for healthy bodies, minds and social skills,” Dr. Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, CDPH Commissioner, remarked in a statement obtained by Chicago's Department of Public Health.

Last year, PlayStreets saw more than 30,000 Chicagoans participate in 180 events. This season, an increase in events is predicted, with the program already hosting a spectacular "End of School Year, Summer Kick Off" and planning over 200 more across the summer months. Tina Sanders, Chief Executive Officer at Phalanx Family Services, emphasized the importance of bringing PlayStreets to communities in dire need, crediting the initiative as key to introducing healthy activities and much-needed resources to local youth and their families.

Adam Alonso, Chief Executive Officer of BUILD, Inc., one of the organizations responsible for coordinating this year's events, highlighted the essential nature of play for the development of children. As told to the CDPH, Alonso said, "It is fundamental. Let's go out and play!" The push for community empowerment and health equity through play has garnered support from over 30 grassroots partners, all dedicated to hosting the PlayStreets events and strengthening community bonds through active participation.

The current program lineup includes a variety of events packed with sports, games, dance, fitness classes, and healthy refreshments, as detailed in the full schedule available on the CDPH website.