Weekend Walks are car-free events that promote the use of streets as public space. Community-based organizations apply to close commercial streets and provide programming that highlights local businesses and New York City’s unique neighborhoods.
Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn
Chinatown, Manhattan
Benefits
- Supports local businesses and community-based organizations
- Promotes the use of streets as public space
- Positively enhances a community by adding more space for walking and pedestrian-friendly activities
- Promotes healthy lifestyles
- Fosters community-building among neighbors
Scope and Eligibility
- Must be located on a commercial corridor
- Must be a minimum of two blocks in length, and must occur at least two times
- No exchange of money is permitted at Weekend Walks; however, businesses may display their wares on the street, and restaurants may place seating out on the sidewalk
- Nonprofit and for-profit organizations must have strong ties to the community and demonstrate past experience programming public events within the community
Process
- Weekend Walks applications are due during the winter; approved events are generally held between early spring and late fall
- DOT may provide a limited amount of furniture and other amenities to support events
- Funding may also be provided on a limited basis and is determined by the size of the event
- Partners that host events must work closely with DOT, NYPD, and the Community Board to secure necessary approvals in addition to engaging local businesses and organizations in the community
- Applicant must provide commercial general liability insurance in the amount of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate limit naming the City of New York as an additional insured
- All events require a permit from SAPO
Recommendations and Best Practices
- Start planning early; getting community buy-in from local businesses, organizations, and programming partners is critical to a successful event
- Provide a wide range of programming options that are accessible to all ages, genders, and abilities
- Connect programming at the event to businesses on the route (e.g., pop-up library that promotes the local library; blood pressure screenings outside a local pharmacy)