Residents will once again be able to skate, play and perform in Merrydale Avenue in Portland on Sunday April 2 in the second Open Streets Mitchell’s Plain event.
The organisers are calling on residents to participate by volunteering, organising an activity or a showcase, or applying to be a food vendor.
An Open Streets day is an opportunity for residents to explore a street as a space that connects people. The road is closed off to motorised vehicles.
Open Streets managing director and co-founder, Marcela Guerrero Casas, said it suspends reality for a few hours and shows a glimpse of what our future could be.
“Rather than being an event, it is simply a day to reimagine public life and use our streets differently,” she said.
Ms Guerrero Casas said Open Streets draws inspiration from Bogota’s Ciclovia, which transforms 120km of streets across the Colombian capital every Sunday and public holiday. “Our aim for Cape Town is a little bit different though. We want to show that streets have the power to connect people across social and spatial divides. So, come along to Mitchell’s Plain and let’s explore streets together as we build towards a long-term programme of Open Streets Days,” she said.
The event will run from noon until 5pm.
The last Open Streets took place last month in Bree Street, Cape Town, but events have also been held in Langa and Bellville.
Ward 78 councillor and area-based Mayco member Eddie Andrews said Open Streets helps highlight the positive developments taking place in the area. “This year, we will be opening up a major road to create a space for the entire community in and around Mitchell’s Plain to take an active role in making the day a success,” he said.
There will be a public meeting on Thursday February 23, at 6pm, at Rocklands High School. Residents can contact the organisation on info@openstreets.co.za or 021 286 0823.