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DOT to turn streets into fun sites

Pedestrians won’t be limited to the sidewalk when Summer Streets returns to New York next month.

For the third consecutive summer, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will temporarily close Park Avenue and the connecting streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park on August 7, 14, and 21, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The nearly seven miles of streets will host theater and performance artists, activity classes ranging from yoga to Cardio Go-Go, and other opportunities to bike, walk or dance.

In a partnership with Macro Sea, a development company in New York, Summer Streets 2010 will include three swimming pools in dumpster-style containers near the Grand Central Viaduct in midtown. Complete with decking and a pool lounge area, the pools will give New Yorkers the opportunity to cool off and take a break from the day’s events.

The “dumpster pools” are made of unused shipping containers, and are fully code-compliant, clean and safe.

“Summer Streets is becoming an eagerly anticipated tradition and we’re proud to bring it back for a third summer for New Yorkers to create their own urban adventures,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

“In addition to space for skating, cycling or strolling, the route’s new attractions this year will bring our streets to life, from swimming to street theater.”

Queens residents who can’t make it out to Manhattan won’t have to miss out on the fun. They can participate in the borough’s Weekend Walks, a part of the Summer Streets program made possible through partnerships between DOT and community groups.

The Sunnyside Weekend Walk, sponsored by Sunnyside Shines BID, will be held on 46th Street between Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue on August 7, 14, 21, and 28 from noon to 7 p.m.

The Sunnyside event will feature magic shows, face painting, cartooning workshops, music from the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Orchestra, a performance from the Sunnyside Drum Corps and delicious food.

The Astoria Water Walk, sponsored by Astoria Park Alliance, will be held on Shore Boulevard between Astoria Park South and Ditmars Boulevard on August 1, 8, and 15 from 1 to 7 p.m.

The Astoria walk will offer a scenic view of the East River waterfront and feature nature walks, bike lessons, a pet parade, theater productions, a watermelon eating contest, a performance by Sokol Gymnastics and more.

For more information about Summer Streets and the Weekend Walks, visit www.nyc.gov/summerstreets.