Al Watkins and Kyia of At Peace Arts.Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Open Streets Boston has added a new community making a total of five city neighborhoods now taking part in the program.
During Open Streets events, city neighborhoods close their streets to vehicle traffic for one day creating room for community and recreation.
Local businesses expand out into the street making a safe space so that people can enjoy music, games, food, and more.
Open Streets consultant Shana Bryant said the latest Boston community to become part of Open Streets is Mattapan. "We're especially excited that Mattapan, where my mom has been a proud homeowner for the last 30 years, has been added to the Opens Streets series," she said.
Open Streets communities provide neighborhoods the opportunity to host family-friendly events while promoting local businesses.
This is the fourth year that Kyia and DJ Al Watkins of At Peace Arts are taking part in Open Streets.
The husband-and-wife team specializes in music-infused virtual paint parties.
Kyia said they are excited about adding Mattapan to Open Streets. "It has been beautiful to just be outside and be in communities with so many people painting, walking people through paintings, dancing, laughing," she said. "Seeing kids and parents just be in the community together."
Open Streets 2025 kicks off on Sundays in July in Roxbury, followed by Hyde Park, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and now Mattapan throughout August and September.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said they are hoping to add Boston's Newbury Street to the mix as well following last year's successful pilot of a holiday stroll edition.
WBZ News Radio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.