Play Streets are neighborhood-led short road closures that allow for free + safe child-led play. Some key features of the model include:
All neighbors are consulted + included
Play happens in streets + public spaces like greenways and sidewalks (not in private yards unless invited)
All attendees clean up after themselves as they leave
A parent or caregiver is required to be in attendance
Pets are not allowed
This concept has been adapted by other cities in the US (like Seattle and Los Angeles) and is widely practiced in the United Kingdom — see this informational video from the Leeds City Council.
The first NCNA Play Streets event will be on Boylston Street on Friday, April 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The street (from Tremont Street to Beck Avenue) will be closed to vehicles from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
NCNA will provide bubbles + chalk for the kiddos, but asks for attendees to bring cardboard boxes for fort building and other creative play opportunities.
Even if you aren’t a part of NCNA, you’re invited to attend — not only for your kiddos to have fun, but to meet your neighbors + strengthen community bonds.
Bonus: See the future Play Streets that are already planned — the next is scheduled for Friday, May 9 on Hanover Street.
Asked
Asked
Where else would you like to see Play Streets pop up?
A. St. Elmo Avenue B. Mitchell Avenue
C. Highland Park Avenue D. Rossville Avenue E. Other
Embodied Living | 7-8 p.m. | Studio34 | Free, RSVP | This gentle movement class aims to help you slow down + connect with your body.
Thursday, April 10
Dweezil Zappa | 7:30 p.m. | The Walker Theatre | $46+ | See this Grammy Award-winning guitarist on “The Rox(postrophy)” tour.
Friday, April 11
Food Truck Friday | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Red Bank City Park, Red Bank | Free+ | Head to the park to enjoy food from a variety of vendors + listen to music from The Essentials.
“Curveball” | Friday, April 11-Sunday, April 13 | Times vary | UTC Fine Arts Center | $20+ | Watch a ballet performance based on the story of Jackie Mitchell, a Lookouts female baseball phenom who struck out Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
Middle Earth Tonight | 8-10 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $12 | This comedy late-night talk show with Gimli Fallon is set in the fantastical world of “Lord of the Rings” with familiar and unfamiliar characters and backdrops.
Monday, June 2
Summer Camp at Reflection Riding | Monday, June 2-Friday, Aug. 1 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | $275+ | Summer Camp at Reflection Riding is so much more than a day at the park. It’s a 300-acre classroom filled with hands-on discovery, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures that ignite young minds.*
Chattanooga’s leaf pickup services will end on Friday, April 11. Folks are encouraged to take advantage of the services while they still can — to date over 3,000 tons of leaves have been collected by workers.
Coming Soon
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts — Sportsbarn has announced it will open Chattanooga’s first dedicated indoor pickleball facility this summer. Picklebarn will feature four climate-controlled courts for year-round play + will be located on the left side of the gym on Hamill Road, where a former gymnastics center resided.
Travel
In case you missed it, Chattanooga Airport has implemented a new policy that all checked baggage must be checked in at least 45 minutes before your flight’s departure. The policy applies to all airlines at the airport + aims to make your travel experience smooth and stress-free.
Open
Keystone is now open on Frazier Avenue. This to-go spot serves up breakfast + lunch sandwiches, house-made dips, and desserts inspired by Philadelphia and Mediterranean cuisine. Check out the menu — we’re eyeing the South Philly and baklava.
Community
Hamilton County Parks will host its Swing into Spring event at McDonald Farm on Saturday, April 12. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can enjoy music by the Lone Mountain Band, food trucks, a petting zoo, activities, and an egg hunt at 1:30 p.m.
Pets
Uno, dos, andale. The Hits96 Running of the Chihuahuas will return to the First Horizon Pavilion for its 16th year on Saturday, May 3. Folks can register their pups for the race + enjoy live music by Swayyvo, BIAS, Lilac Line, and Sarah Mootz.
Cause
Southern Adventist University’s automotive program will provide free vehicle inspections to the community on Sunday, April 13. Bring your vehicle to the Samaritan Center parking lot in nearby Ooltewah from 1 to 4 p.m. to have fluids, belts, hoses, etc. checked out.
Finance
We know you’re smart (you subscribe to NOOGAtoday, after all), but we all have our blind spots when it comes to spending. Here are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
This native wildflower is nicknamed “Blue-Eyed Mary.” | Photo by Eric Burnett via Chattanooga Audubon Society
Tennessee is home to 100+ wildflower species, making the discovery of these seasonal florals in Chattanooga easy, sweet pea-sy. Grab your pals — and your allergy meds — to see spring blooms.
You can also check out a guided Wildflower Walks with the center’s naturalist — the next installment is on Saturday, April 12.
Audubon Acres
With130 acres that contain a rich diversity of plant and animal life, there are five miles of hiking + walking trails that are lined with wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Bonus: Sign up for the next Wildflower Walk on Saturday, May 3 to learn the role these blooms play in the ecosystem.
Sitton’s Gulch Trail
This six-mile round-trip hike is known for its bountiful wildflower blooms during this time of year in the Cloudland Canyon, offering a scenic, strenuous hike.
The Buy
The Buy
We all want the best for our pets, and premium care can come at a premium cost. With pet insurance, you can reduce the strain on your budget, whether it’s for treating a chronic condition or an unexpected emergency.*
It’s Food Waste Prevention Week and folks can join Oddstory Brewing Co. to participate locally. Check out their post to learn more about their ongoing food drive, a beer release with Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe, and the Bread to Beer event.
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