The vision of creating Streets Alive! Parks Alive! came from an overwhelming community response to a special community forum hosted by Supervisor Carole Groom in October, 2009. "Creating and Using Active Public Spaces" brought together elected leaders, health officials, County and city staff, elected school leadership, community-based organizations and interested parties to learn about benefits and innovative ways to increase use of public spaces to promote social connection and physical activity, and to share local work among practitioners in this area. The highly-attended convening featured keynote speaker Gil Penalosa, executive director forWalk and Bike for Life and former Commissioner of Parks, Sports and Recreation for the City of Bogota, Columbia.

The inaugural "Streets Alive" was hosted across cities in San Mateo County in 2010, and again in 2011. In 2012, it was renamed Streets Alive! Parks Alive! to emphasize the importance of parks in healthy activity and in quality of life. Many cities have opened streets and highlighted public places such as parks, plazas and trails as a way to promote healthy outdoor activity for a healthy future. People of all ages and physical abilities have come together at Streets Alive! Parks Alive! events to be active, rediscover their neighborhoods, visit other communities, and experience the freedom of safe, public spaces.

Streets Alive! Parks Alive! 2013 will take place on Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th in cities and parks near you.

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