NYC Parks and Disney Host 8th Annual Street Games
By: Tyler Peterson Apr. 27, 2015
On Saturday, April 25, NYC Parks and Disney hosted the 8th Annual Street Games event, a celebration of outdoor sports and classic games from the 60s and 70s, in Thomas Jefferson Park on 114th Street and First Avenue. NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP joined Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito along with ABC News anchor Rob Nelson in welcoming this annual event.
"These classic games of stickball, double-dutch and pogo sticks are a great way to get outside and stay fit, all while having fun." said Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "I'd like to thank Disney and all our sponsors for helping to present these games to today's generation of youngsters and we're glad to see that so many people joined us to play at Thomas Jefferson Park."
New Yorkers young - and young at heart - enjoyed the Classic Street Games zone and got moving with stickball, pogo sticks, hula hoops, double-dutch, yo-yos, and a skateboarding clinic.
The event closed 114th Street and Pleasant Avenue just north of the Park to vehicle traffic so kids could participate in a soap box derby, learn to ride a bike clinics, street hockey, and wheelchair basketball. The Red Bulls hosted a Skills Challenge on the soccer fields and the New York Knicks brought their groove truck and was joined by John Wallace. Street Games was more than just games. The event was celebrated with live music and entertainment - including performances from Dance Theater of Harlem.
Street Games 2015 was supported by Disney Magic of Healthy Living, the company's commitment to partner with parents and inspire kids to lead healthier lifestyles. Presented by Disney, together with its businesses and affiliates (including ABC-7, ESPN Deportes, and The Walt Disney Studios), Street Games was also sponsored by the New York Knicks, the New York Red Bulls, Cabot Creamery, Fit & Fun Playscapes, Movement Creative, New York Empire, and The L Magazine.
NYC Parks produces a series of annual, large-scale festivals that provide unique, outdoor experiences for thousands of New Yorkers year-round. In addition to Street Games in the Spring, these include Adventures NYC (Summer), and Winter Jam NYC (Winter).
Image Credit: NYC Parks/Malcolm Pinckney
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