LAKEVIEW — Sunday Spots are back, bringing a swing set drum kit and a tennis ball pit for dogs to Lakeview's west side.
For the third year, the pop-up street plaza will add a rotating list of activities in the neighborhood every Sunday in September on Marshfield Avenue from Lincoln to Roscoe.
This week, local artists will recreate cover art from famous children's books on the pavement. The program will be in addition to weekly features like a beanbag tournament from Bitter Pops and a dog spot offering a dog treat-decorating station and a ball pit filled with tennis balls.
Pop-up murals, a lawn and seating area, live music and games will be weekly attractions, along with a rotating roster of group fitness classes and lawn games like the giant Connect Four and Jenga.
Activities like a giant Connect Four board are part of the Lakeview Sunday Spots, returning this month. [Provided/Lakeview Chamber of Commerce]
"Sunday Spot is grounded in placemaking, which is an effective way to foster a sense of community in a neighborhood," said Lee Crandell, executive director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. "We're creating a place where people can connect with each other."
The series takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each week. This year, attendees are encouraged to participate in After Spots specials and sidewalk sales in the neighborhood following the Sunday Spots pop-ups.
Organized by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, the series began as the Sunday Play Spot program in 2014. The chamber dropped the "play" concept last year to include a wider variety of activities.
The chamber enlists local artists and businesses like Dogaholics, Bitter Pops and The Little Gym to team up on the pop-up events. Sponsors include Chicago Parent, Presence Saint Joseph Hospital and Whole Foods.
Special events each week include:
• Chalk the block (Sunday): Local artists recreate cover art from a famous children's book using chalk on asphalt. Attendees can join in and create their own.
• Chicago Sky pop-a-shot (Sept. 11): The Chicago Sky, the city's WNBA team, will lead a head-to-head competition to see who can make the most shots.
• Dance spot (Sept. 11 and 18): The Lakeview branch of Arthur Murray dance company will teach neighbors popular dance moves.
• Interactive music classes (Sept. 18): The Music Playhouse of Chicago will make music with younger children.
• Pop-up pop art mural (Sept. 11 and 18): Local artist Molly Z will enlist help from the Lakeview community with a pop-up mural.
• Swing set drum kit (Sept. 4 and 11): Children can explore artist David Ford's swing set drum kit, an interactive sonic sculpture that uses swings to trigger percussion instruments.
• Surprise character appearances (Sept. 18): Building Blocks Toy Store will celebrate its 20th anniversary with visits from Dora the Explorer, Elmo and Peppa Pig.
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