Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Car-Free Streets

Streetfilms: A New Play Street for Jackson Heights

Streetfilms newcomer Robin Urban Smith brings us this romp through a new play street in Jackson Heights. Located in a neighborhood with little access to park space, the 78th Street Play Street effectively extends Travers Park out past the curb every Sunday for 20 weeks.

Neighborhood groups Jackson Heights Green and Friends of Travers Park put a lot of time and effort into getting the play street off the ground. "This is the only play street I know of that's organized by grassroots groups," said Elena Madison, one of the volunteers behind it (the events are usually organized through the Police Athletic League).

This Sunday will be the third time 78th Street turns into a play street, with Williamsburg Walks and Montague Summer Space rounding out the weekend's car-free action.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

The City Is Doing to Prospect Park What It Needs to Do to All Parks

A long-awaited bike lane in Brooklyn will create almost full protected cycling coverage around Prospect Park — setting a new standard for the rest of the city.

March 23, 2026

NYC Pols To DOT: We Want More — And Better — Summer Streets!

A group of 29 current and former elected officials asked DOT to expand the car-free streets program so that it's not just a few random Saturdays along unconnected stretches.

March 23, 2026

Why Some Members of Congress Want to Go Big on Greenways

A new bill would multiply federal funding for walking and biking paths — even as some powerful congresspeople threaten to take away what we've already got.

March 23, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: We Fixed Congress Edition

DOT installed "don't walk" signs next to pedestrians ramps in Brooklyn, then removed them after Streetsblog started asking questions. Plus more news.

March 23, 2026

VIDEO: Reckless Driver Kills Cyclist, Injures Four Others in Harlem Crash That Shows Need For Speed Caps

The 8 p.m. crash comes just a few days after Mayor Mamdani was criticized by the pro-car right for announcing that speed-limit reductions in school zones would be in effect all day, not just during school hours.

March 20, 2026
See all posts