Walk, ride or play with Open Street Markham this summer

Enjoy a car-free zone with a lot of summer activities

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 8, 2022
Scarlett Liu

For the third summer in a row, the City of Markham is helping residents stay active with Open Street Markham, presented by York University.

Open Street Markham was created to allow for more outdoor space and opportunities for residents to get active during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative also supports the city's Active Transportation Master Plan by closing Middlefield Road between Highglen Avenue and Denison Street to motorized traffic every Sunday from July 31 to Sept. 5, including the Civic and Labour Day holidays.

Visitors will be able to walk, ride or play safely on the road these days as they take in the sights of their community and the various activities that are planned.

“At the City of Markham, we are proud to offer an extensive network of pathways for all to enjoy,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, encouraging everyone to participate in Open Street Markham and enjoy the benefits of staying active outdoors.

With the construction of York University’s new Markham Campus, the university is building on existing partnerships with the City of Markham to promote healthy, active and sustainable lifestyles.

“We are proud to sponsor Open Street Markham again this year,” said York University president and vice-chancellor, Rhonda Lenton. “I hope Markham residents to take the opportunity to explore all that the city has to offer in ways that reduce our collective carbon emissions.”

Open Street Markham will provide a variety of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy at each closure date. Markham Arts Council will be bringing live music, henna art and yoga classes for guests to participate in.

Markham Cycles will also have a pop-up community bike booth for bicycle repairs and quick fixes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both statutory holidays and Markham fitness instructors will offer free drop-in Zumba classes on Aug. 1, 7, 14, and 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.