Play sport in the middle of the road | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Queen Street is best known for shopping and traffic snarl ups, but this weekend people will be encouraged to go out and play on the street.

Aucklanders are invited to put on their shorts and trainers and take part in any sport that appeals to them on Sunday, February 19 when the area between Queen Street, Customs and Wyndham streets is turned into a giant sports park.

"Playing in the Street" is a project of the Committee for Auckland's Future Auckland Leaders programme.

"What we are hoping to achieve is to bring people back to the heart of the city. We want them to come in and connect to the city again," says Marianne Riley, who helped conceptualise and organise the event with her group.

"During the weekdays, Queen Street is very much a business and retail space. We want it to be a space for people on the weekend. We also wanted to promote physical activities," she says.

The roads will be closed to traffic for the event.

People can try their hand at a range of sports including football, squash, cricket, badminton, netball, gym skills, cycling, zumba and aerobics.

There will also be demonstration games, experts on hand to give tips, free bike maintenance, as well as contests and competitions.

Shops and eateries will be open, and there will be picnic spots on the street, so families are able to make a day of it.

"People don't need to register or anything. Just come down during the day. It's totally free," she says.

Ms Riley says it took them 18 months to organise the event. Everyone they approached was enthusiastic and wanted to help.

Sport Auckland is a key partner in delivering the sports showcase to Queen Street and Crackerjack Promotions is managing the event.

The event was inspired by international cities such as Bogota, New York and Copenhagen which have successfully opened streets to people rather than cars in similar events over the last 20 years.

The organisers hope the event will become an annual one.

SPORT ON THE STREET
WHERE Queen Street from Customs to Wyndham streets
WHEN Sunday February 19, 10am-4pm (Check Newstalk ZB from 8am on the day in case of adverse weather. Rain date February 26)
HOW TO GET THERE Check your bus, ferry and train timetables at www.maxx.co.nz. If you're driving, leave the car a little way from the city and walk in. Auckland Council HAS $2.50/hr parking at Victoria Street and Downtown.
WEB For more information and programme click here