Join us for a special screening of the new documentary film, Close Encounters of the 34^th Avenue Kind, the incredible true story of the New York City’s best “open street.”  Co-founders of the 34^th 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.

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 TRIPS Lab, 34^th Avenue Open Streets Coalition, OpenPlans, and StreetFilms.

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Time: 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Location: N110 CPHB 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Injury Prevention Research Center in advance at ann-saba@uiowa.edu