Street closures Saturday for first-ever Philly Free Streets

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia will be holding its first-ever Philly Free Streets event on Saturday. It's billed as the city's people-powered initiative, creating ten car-free miles for people to walk, bike and play.

It'll also mean street closures for drivers along the route, from 8am to 1pm.

Look for South Street to be closed in Center City, from Front Street to the South Street Bridge over the Schuylkill. The route will continue onto the Schuylkill River Trail, into streets in W. Fairmount Park, and then MLK Drive to the Falls Bridge. (See map.)

During the event, Mayor Jim Kenney will lead a mile-long power walk and radio personality Patty Jackson will walk a mile without the use of a cane for the first time since her stroke.

"Philly Free Streets encourages Philadelphians to be active and get moving by offering more than 7,500 prizes and discounts for participation," said Deputy Managing Director Clarena Tolson. "Philly Free Street attendees will have a chance to earn rewards by completing challenges, participating in activities, or exploring the City through our scavenger hunt."

Organizations will provide a variety of fun and exciting activities, including boot camps, bike riding lessons, group rides and runs, music performances, mural mazes, and interactive educational games.

Look for discounts and promotional deals from various nutrition, health, and fitness companies as rewards for competing fitness challenges by downloading the Vea Fitness app at Philly Free Streets.

You can also play using a paper Prize Passport available at any information station along the route.

Click here for more information on Philly Free Streets, including the complete schedule of events and how you can compete for prizes.