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Giant Water Slide Comes To Foley Square As Part Of NYC's Summer Streets Program

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City's Summer Streets program is back in a big way, kicking off three weeks of pedestrian-friendly activities with a giant water slide, among other fun attractions.

For the first three Saturdays in August, Park Avenue will be closed to traffic and open to pedestrians from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way to Central Park, with five rest stops in Foley Square, Soho, Astor Place, Midtown and Uptown.

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This year, there will be everything from a giant 270-foot water slide at Foley Square to art walking tours, bike rentals, a dog park and a zipline.

With Park Avenue closed, runners say they can workout without having to worry about their surroundings, 1010 WINS' Roger Stern reported,

"I feel like I've got it all to myself. There's not a bunch of cars in my way or angry people honking at me. It feels like they cleared it just for me," Paul, of Bay Ridge, said.

Summer Streets Program Shuts Down Park Avenue Between Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park,

Rest Stop locations:

Foley Square: Duane and Centre streets

Soho: Spring and Lafayette streets

Astor Place: Astor Place and Lafayette Street

Midtown: 25th Street and Park Avenue

Uptown: 52nd Street and Park Avenue

Check: Traffic | Transit

There will also be all kinds of road closures and traffic issues during the 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. event.

But some cab drivers told Stern they're OK with the traffic change.

"Driving is really difficult, but it's very healthy and for the long-term it's very good," said one driver.

Officials urge drivers in Manhattan to plan extra time for travel.

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