Re-Imagining The Grand Concourse Tonight At The Bronx Museum

Kids enjoy the racing course this at Boogie on the Boulevard this past Sunday, August 9th

Tonight at the Bronx Museum between 6:30PM and 9:00PM (free admission), the community has a chance to envision what the Grand Concourse should and can look like.

The Grand Boulevard and Concourse, as it was originally known, is The Bronx’s most treasured thoroughfare as well as the closest we have to a “Main Street”. We were able to preserve part of the Concourse by pushing for landmark status which it received in 2011.

There’s no denying that it can be a safer and even more beautiful place than ever, which is why tonight there will be a community visioning session on what the future of our beloved Concourse can be.

With the success of Boogie on The Boulevard where we’ve almost seen double the numbers from last year’s 3 day event in this year’s last 2 Sundays, it has become more apparent than ever that car free Sundays in the center lanes are not only popular much needed space for creating community and a healthy one at that.

Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said at this year’s first day of Boogie on The Boulevard that it should be extended all the way to the end at Mosholu Parkway like it was between 1991-1996 under then Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer. Mark-Viverito challenged Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg to work together on just that.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts says in their invitation, “What is the future of the Boulevard of Dreams? Join artists, activists, and advocates for the Grand Concourse for a community visioning session. Learn about ongoing efforts to improve walkability and bikeability and share your own ideas to make the Grand Concourse safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Presented in collaboration with Transportation Alternatives.”

Hope to see you there tonight!

Check out the last two weeks of Boogie on the Boulevard. This Sunday, August 16th is your last chance to participate!

Mandala with Yana Studios, LLC! Tasha Valentino/Photo Credit: Elizabeth Hamby

Painting with the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC)/Image credit: Elizabeth Hamby

The awesome crew from Black Girls Do Bike!!! / Photo credit: Elizabeth Hamby

Big thanks to the folks of Morning Glory Garden who sold super locally BRONX GROWN produce!

Bikers took advantaged of the closed center lanes of the Grand Concourse.

Grandmother and her granddaughter came out to enjoy the day and also take bike lessons, one of the many activities that were available on Sunday.

A game of basketball on the Grand Concourse? Why yes!

The kids were definitely having so much fun.

Cyclists of all ages came to enjoy the car-free open space of the Grand Concourse.

Are those the faces of joy or what?

The cafe tables were set up in front of the museum under the shade, perfect for folks to relax, and meet knew people. NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito Spoke about how Boogie on the Boulevard was a wonderful example of community building.

And more cyclists!

There was even a button making station! You were able to design your own button and either keep it for yourself or donate it to the Bronx Museum for their current exhibition!

Children and their families were happy to have the Bronx Children’s Museum on hand with their mobile bus. By 2017, the Children’s Museum is scheduled to have their own brick and mortar space!

Model Sketching!

Artist & Craftsman Supply were on hand as one of the main sponsors and face-painting activities!

Art was being created right before our eyes on Sunday.

Spray away! Loved to see so much art along with all the other activities.

Nearly 2,000 people should up on Sunday…last year 2,500 people showed up for all THREE Sundays so we’re definitely going to break our record!

What’s Boogie on the Boulevard without a little Bomba from Bombazo Dance Co?

Congressman Serrano jokingly mentions how far he had to walk to get to Boogie on the Boulevard…actually just a few blocks away since he lives on The Grand Concourse! He talked about how great this event is on so many levels and also entertained us with a few anecdotes from his younger years.

NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito spoke of the importance of events such as Boogie on the Boulevard as community building and then called on Department of Transportation, Polly Trottenberg to explore on getting the event extended to the end of the Concourse at Mosholu Parkway like it was years ago under former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer who started the program of Car Free Sundays—Boogie’s predecessor.

Big thanks for all of Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson’s support!

And the ribbon is cut for Boogie on the Boulevard! Let the festivities begin!

Bronx sensation Bharati Kemraj, taught a Bollywood workout that got folks exercising!

Bronx sensation Bharati Kemraj, taught a Bollywood workout class that got folks exercising!

Bhariti Kemraj teaching her Bollywood exercise class

Bharati Kemraj teaching her Bollywood exercise class

Some demonstrations by Crossfit SoBro, a local fitness center.

Everyone was out exercising and having fun.

The tapestry of people from all walks of life that make us such a beautiful borough were on full display at Boogie on the Boulevard.

Mother and daughter check out the list of activities for Boogie on the Boulevard’s first Sunday!

More kids learning how to skate at Boogie on the Boulevard this past Sunday, August 9th

Everyone was having fun at Boogie on the Boulevard this past Sunday, August 9th where the numbers reached 2,500. Last year for the 3 Sunday event, 2,500 attended on all 3 days!