The Streets Turn to Grass on Orchard

Text by Nick Gallinelli ? Photos by Dana Davenport Everyone was given a chance to relive a bit of their childhood Sunday, June 3, as the Lower East Side, with the help of 2,000 square feet of well-placed artificial grass, was transformed into an urban playground. In the Lower East Side Business Improvement District (LES BID) and Dub Studio Architects' latest effort to attract people and businesses to the area, the duo scattered ping-pong tables, badminton courts and food carts from local eateries along Orchard Street, all to create the vibe of a giant backyard. The party, though unfortunately dampened by an afternoon thunderstorm, drew massive crowds of both LES residents and visitors. Perhaps the most impressive part of the day, though, was the kid who scored the afternoon. Eight-year-old DJ Kai Song, hailing from Dumbo, drew plenty of attention from participants as he provided pop music throughout the entire five-hour festival. It was DayLife's first time out, but the LES BID hopes it will be the first of many Sunday events.(http://nypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_9559.png)(http://nypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_9599.png)(http://nypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_9372.png)(http://nypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_9410.png)(http://nypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_962611.png) [ ](http://nypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_935311.png)[ ](http://nypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_93531.png)