【時報訊】為提供市民健康生活方式，聖路易市市政府及市長辦公室創意推出“2010街道開放日”，五月一日(週六)為首次街道開放日。在全長六公里的城區街道範圍內，開放予市民參加各種健康休閑活動、太極、瑜珈都列為街道活動之一，有老師指導示範，市民現場學習體會，為聖路易市展現出生機蓬勃又健康之風貌。
2010街道開放日範圍自Grand中心到森林公園，其中有Lindell大道，南、北Sarah街，Clayton路及杰佛森街，不但街道兩旁有各式活動，當天也有民眾慢跑、騎腳踏車、散步等，十分寫意，據市長室表示，由於活動受到市民歡迎，今年還將有三次街道開放日，分別是六月十三日(週日)，九月十九日(週日)和十月九日(週日)，歡迎市民闔府參加。
Open Streets 2010
To promote healthy lifestyles, the St. Louis Mayor's office has been creative. It designed and organized the Open Streets 2010 program. This is a relatively large event which was held for the first time on Saturday May 1 in downtown St. Louis. The 2010 route is about 6 miles long and connects downtown St. Louis, the Grand Center and Forest Park, allowing participants to plan a route as long or short as they wish. Part of Locust Street, Lindell Bulevard, North Sarah Street, South Sarah, Newstead Street, Clayton Road, and Jefferson Street were blocked off for joggers and cyclists, adults and kids, tourists and residents to enjoy. Some were rollerblading on the street as well. The goal of this program is to provide more space for healthy recreation, encourage St. Louisans to use more sustainable forms of transportation, and complement the City's green initiatives.
Taichi Class during Open Streets
Based on similar programs hosted around the world, the St. Louis' program has merit. It combines elements of the neighborhood block party, a day at the gym, and a relaxing weekend morning. Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Chidren's Hospital, Siteman Cancer Center, and Logan College provided fun-filled educational activities and important health advices. YMCA of Greater St. Louis arranged Yoga, Taichi, Zumba, and cycling classes for kids and adults. Rock Workout had demonstrations of Kickboxing & Spinning and hosted contests for Sit-ups & Push-ups. Triumph Grill offered Law Games, Washers, Badminton and healthy snacks. St. Louis Recorder Society were playing beautiful songs to entertain participants. All were free. It was a chance to exercise, an opportunity to meet and watch people, and a great time to enjoy a few parks in the area with family and friends. Mayor Francis Slay got up early and looked energetic in his orange colored t-shirt. He sincerely talked to his staff, people in the sponsor booths, and event participants to get their feedback.
Yoga class during Open Streets
he Mayor's Office organized the event. However, this program would not be possible without the support of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Special Events Department, the Department of Streets, the Department of Health, and the Department of Parks and. Boeing, Great Rivers Greenway, YMCA of Greater St. Louis, Trailnet, Grand Center for Art and Life, and Saint Louis Regional Bicycle Federation are also among the sponsor list.
Leading up to Saturday, the weather forecast was calling for rain. Friday night's tornado warning and thunderstorm threatened the event. However, a few thousand people still came out to enjoy this relaxing program. Fortunately, the rain held off and the weather was quite pleasant with light sun and breeze. The event started at 8 am and ended at 1 pm successfully.
Helen Yane, who works in the mayor's office and is the main coordinator for the event announced that there will be three more events this year on Sunday June 13, Sunday September 19, and Saturday October 9. There are different themes to go with each of the event. So check them out and mark your calendar. |
