Chicago kids take back the streets on 'Playstreets Day'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In some Chicago neighborhoods, playing outside can be an invitation to trouble. So the city of Chicago designated Thursday as "Playstreets Day," when 13 separate blocks were cleared for a few hours to create an urban oasis.

On this year's Chicago Playstreets Day, the 3700-block of West 28th Street in the Little Village neighborhood is not looking like it usually does. The block is closed to cars from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow neighbors to get out, connect and learn.

"Creating safe spaces for people to come out and meet their neighbors, create stronger relationships so that they can watch over the safety of the community," said Maricela Garcia, CEO, Gads Hill Center.

For the city, turning a block normally dominated by gang members into what it should be -- a safe place to play -- is key to fighting childhood obesity.

"Back in 2003, one in four kids entering kindergarten at CPS were obese. Today, it is less than one in five and that's huge progress. That means there are 1,000 more kids entering kindergarten at a healthier weight," said Dr. Bechara Choucair, commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health.

The scene repeats itself in 12 other Chicago neighborhoods on Playstreets Day, which started two years ago as one aspect of the city's strategy to create a healthier Chicago .

"The message that it portrays to the residents and the people around in the area is that we get to take ownership of our streets and actually have healthy, great activities that motivate young kids come out and play sports, have fun and feel secure," said Abraham Celio, Universidad Popular.

Make no mistake, what's happening here now is not how it usually is. There's one young activist, who's selling 50/50 raffle tickets in support of her organization, which helps young people grow out of poverty.

ABC7's Ravi Baichwal: "Is it frustrating to not be able to go out in your neighborhood and just go and play when you want?

"Yeah," said Camila Martinez, 13. "Well, it is like you don't know if you are going to get shot or if something is going to happen to you."