Courtesy photoFor a second year, Wichita State University will show off its unique cultural and educational assets while welcoming the community to campus during Open Streets ICT - WSU and Shocker Neighborhood on April 14.
Open Streets ICT is a community-building event on a closed street, intended to promote healthy active living and social engagement. The event is free and open to the public.
From noon-4 p.m. April 14, Open Streets ICT will take place on 17th Street from Oliver to Volutsia. The almost two-mile stretch is open for biking, walking and running. 17th Street will be closed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
WSU colleges, groups and organizations are encouraged to participate.
More than 35 vendors and eight food trucks are expected.
Main attractions:
- New this year is a main stage on 17th Street for music and trivia near the middle of the two-mile course. An instructor from the Steve Clark YMCA will lead a Zumba workout on the stage.
- The WSU Ulrich Museum of Art will hold an arts market in the roundabout near the museum.
- Habitat for Humanity will set up at the corner of 17th and North Poplar.
- A hub for young people, near Volutsia Street, will offer vendor and information about camps, summer programs and after-school programs.
- WSU’s Department of Dental Hygiene will hand out toothbrushes and other dental products.
- Bike Walk Wichita; Health Core; Suspenders4Hope; Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership; Community Service Board; the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; and Army ROTC are among the groups that will volunteer or set up booths and activities.
“It really has become a great effort from university and community partners,” said Naquela Pack, director of engagement for the Office of Engagement.
Open Streets ICT is sponsored by Wichita Park and Recreation, the Rhatigan Student Center and WSU partner Airbus Americas, among others. Open Streets ICT began in 2017 with Douglas Avenue downtown closed for four miles for biking, walking and activities.
