We will show the new documentary film, Close Encounters of the 34th Avenue Kind, the incredible true story of the New York City’s best “open street.” Co-founders of the 34th Avenue Open Streets project, Rita Wade – originally from Iowa City and a graduate of the University of Iowa – and Jim Burke, will participate in a Q & A following the film.
About the film: Once a street for cars, 34th Avenue is now a 1.5-mile public promenade where people walk, cycle, play, exercise, and gather with neighbors. In a neighborhood with among the lowest amount of park space per capita in New York City, the transformation - chronicled by the film - has created a vital public space that serves as an outdoor community center, a micromobility corridor, and a town square where neighbors connect every day.
Sponsors: University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center, University of Iowa Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Safety (TRIPS) Lab, 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition, OpenPlans, and StreetFilms.
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Location: N110 CPHB
