Exploring the new University Avenue with Open Streets

For the first time, Open Streets will be held in Saint Paul on Sept. 15. It is a day for everyone on bike or foot to come out and enjoy playing in the streets, with no motorized vehicles allowed.

On Sept. 15, from 11am until 6pm, pedestrians will be able to explore University Avenue in a way they never have before.

“It’s the one day this year that people actually will be able to walk up and down University Avenue and see the street in a way they never can,” said Sean McDonnell, a public relations specialist with McDonnell and Co. McDonnell has been working with the Green Line, the light rail scheduled to run along University Ave. from Lowertown in St. Paul to the West Bank of Minneapolis.

For the first time, Open Streets will be held in Saint Paul. It is a day for everyone on bike or foot to come out and enjoy playing in the streets, with no motorized vehicles allowed.

The event is modeled after the Ciclovia of Bogota, Columbia. The Ciclovia originated there nearly 40 years ago, and to this day every Sunday is designated as an Open Street day, where families and friends can gather and enjoy activities.

McDonnell has been working with Natalie Judd, a marketing coordinator for MOD & Co., on promoting businesses along University Avenue during the light rail construction.

“We have been working on advertising and a visitor’s guide and promotion of business owners,” Judd explained. She said they were approached by the City of Saint Paul to put together the first Open Streets. The event has been previously held in several locations in Minneapolis.

“We were awarded a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), and we got the city and neighborhood organizations to assist,” Judd said.

“St. Paul Open Streets is one of 15 Open Streets events BCBS is funding throughout the state in 2013,” added McDonnell. He said it is part of the organization’s efforts to promote an active and healthier lifestyle.

As part of its Green Line project, Mod & Co. has divided University Avenue into sections of existing neighborhoods and business districts. The same is being done for Open Streets, which will feature an auto-free zone from Marion to Hamline along University Avenue. The 2.3 mile stretch will feature businesses and events along the Midway, Historic Rondo, Historic Frogtown and Little Mekong.

“I think what is also unique to this Open Streets event is that three stages will be featuring performances,” said Judd. She said neighborhood organizations are highly involved.

There will be dance groups performing, Tae Kwon Do exhibitions and yoga classes in the streets. An Hour Car will be on site. The St. Paul Bike Coalition will feature a bike safety class and a bike rodeo. Lowertown Bike Shop will provide a bike “first aid” station.

Urban Boatbuilders will have one of its boats on display. Works by local Hmong artists will be shown, and several works of art by local artists for the Artify Hamline Station will be commissioned.

Open Streets visitors will be able to walk through a Metro Transit bus and also learn more about riding the Green Line safely.

“They’ll be able to see the Green Line up close,” McDonnell said. He added that the local talent being showcased on the stages really means local. “This will be a uniquely Saint Paul event.”

Judd said a Passport Program will also be part of the festivities. “People can pick up a passport, go to designated areas and get it stamped. They can then return it to one of the livable community booths and have the chance to win a free bike.” she noted.

More than 50 restaurants are participating in Open Streets. Judd said that with the expected crowds it might be difficult to prepare and serve full meals, but she has encouraged many restaurants to pick the foods that best represent them and serve those.

Judd said there will be three stages throughout the event (Hamline Ave, Victoria St and a Little Mekong stage at Galtier St). All programming was planned by neighborhood organizers from West Bank Business Association, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Frogtown Neighborhood Association, Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) and Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT). Performances range from spoken word artists, bands, DJs, dance groups and much more. Programming schedule will vary at each stage, but will be from 11am – 6pm during the event. For more information visit stpaulopenstreets.org or check the Information Booths at the event for a full line up.

Although she is certain the day will be 75 degrees and sunny, McDonnell said the event will go on rain or shine.

Bus routes will be re-routed for the day, and Lexington, Dale, Victoria and Western will be open to auto traffic.

Judd said the event has drawn many sponsors, including the Asian Economic Development Association, the Arts Academy, Frogtown Neighborhood Association, ASANDC, the West Bank Business Association, the Project for Pride in Living and the City of Saint Paul.

“St. Paul Smart Trips will carry on next year with Open Streets, since MOD & Co. will have ended its contract,” she said.

She said that for a group of people who had never before organized such a massive event that shuts down streets, things have gone very smoothly. The Mayor’s office and Police Department have also been fully involved.

“I just wish there were more time to find more good things to promote,” she added.

McDonnell agreed that so many individuals and groups have been invaluably supportive. “Everyone stepped up and came together, and that bodes well for future events,” he said.