Stroll in the Streets — Downtown’s first open streets event — is happening Sun., Oct. 17 between John Chavis Memorial Park + Dorothea Dix Park. A stretch along Lenoir and South Saunders streets will be closed for walking, biking, art and play stations, food trucks, and gaining community feedback.

The project

Following community discussion about improving the area dating back several years, the city has been working over the past year to connect the 2 parks. Working with partners such as Oaks and Spokes, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Shaw University, and Citrix Cycle, the project is now ready for community input.

The goal is to create a “strollway” that gives pedestrians, cyclists, and all community members easy access from Chavis to Dix Park.

What is a strollway?

The strollway would be a designated path through infrastructure that already exists, but feature new amenities, better signage, road treatments + other additions to improve the experience.

The path would make transit — like using bikes and scooters — safer for citizens. The current planned route is 1.3 miles and runs from Lenoir to South Saunders streets.

Map showing where Chavis and Dix Park are located | Screenshot via Google Maps

The event

The city is hosting the event from 12-5 p.m. as a way to gain insight from community members about the planned route.

Residents will be able to try out the strollway, enjoy entertainment, food trucks, and more. City staff will be present to collect feedback, and there will be an information tent at the intersection of Wilmington + Lenoir streets where citizens can complete a survey.

Respondents can offer input on if the current planned route makes sense to them, and what would make the strollway more inviting.

Event attendees can park for free in 5 Downtown parking decks — City Center Parking Deck, Moore Square Parking Deck, Wilmington Street Deck, Blount Street Deck, and the Municipal Complex.

Businesses interested in participating in the event can fill out this form.