Last Saturday, West Third Street between 24th and 27th avenues was closed to traffic in order to be open to the public. Community members were invited out of their homes to take part in the second annual Meet on the Street.
"This is such a fun idea," said Katie Farkas, a mother who brought her 2-year-old daughter Jayda and 4-year-old son Sage to the event. "We live over on 28th, so we didn't even have to get into the hot car to come."
That was the idea behind the event planned by over 20 community organizations to promote active living and community building in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Activities included a rock-climbing wall, bounce house, bike rodeo, arts and crafts and food vendors. The Duluth Parks department had a large whiteboard available for community members to add their suggestions for further developments in Lincoln Park.
"I wrote that a water fountain would be a good idea. Something to provide water," said Lincoln Park resident Carol Spanyard. "It would help keep the kids hydrated, which is always a good thing."
1/6: The Rev. Judy Bauer of Zion Lutheran Church shares a story with her friend "Pete the Alligator" with the children of Lincoln Park at Meet on the Street last Sunday.
2/6: Anthony Lee, 9, wears an orange helmet and climbing gear as he scales to the top of a climbing wall. The climbing wall was provided free of charge by Positive Energy Outdoor Adventures.
3/6: Sheila Matthews and Melinda Van Der Vieren lead a Zumba workout dance. The Zumba was part of the Health and Wellness Table's efforts to make affordable workouts and activities accessible to people in Duluth. "We just want to get bodies moving," said member Lyn Clark Pegg.
4/6: One Roof Housing employee Amanda Peterson paints a curly black moustache on 7-year-old Sophia Misner. Peterson spent the afternoon painting whiskers and eyebrows on the children of Lincoln Park.
5/6: Hallie Elliott, 11, enjoyed getting her face painted and playing games in the street.
6/6: Lincoln Park resident Carol Spanyard writes her suggestion to improve Lincoln Park on a large whiteboard display by the Duluth Parks department. Spanyard said she hopes to see more water fountains in the park.
