Wooten Drive is now one of about 20 Austin streets to join the Living Streets program, which uses a few barrels and cones to transform residential streets into areas that are better suited for playing, exercising, walking the dog or just hanging out.
The program was adopted in 2021, when many residents were spending time closer to home due to the pandemic, Austin City Council member Chito Vela said.
“The streets are public assets for everybody. They're not just for cars, they're for people too. And I'm just so happy to see our city embrace that concept, that the streets are public areas that should be enjoyed,” Vela said.
Vela also called the program a low-cost way to improve the safety of a neighborhood.
How it works
The program works by setting up cones and a “Local Traffic Only” sign that discourages nonlocal traffic from cutting through neighborhood streets. A “Living Streets” sign also signals to drivers that residents may be congregating in the street.
Residents can also apply for the Play Streets program and Neighborhood Block Party Program. The Play Streets program allows residents to block vehicle traffic for up to three days a week for up to 12 hours a week. The Block Party program allows residents to close vehicle traffic for up to 24 hours.
Get involved
Austinites can apply for the Healthy Street or a Play Street programs here. Residents need to fill out an expression of interest form and then collect signatures of support from at least 60% of the residents on the street.
More information on the city’s block party and healthy streets program is available here.
