Thousands of pedestrians in Ward 7 will be safer Thursday thanks to the reopening of the Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge over Kenilworth Avenue.

“It’s safer, it’s wider, and it’s better lit,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser at the bridge’s grand opening on Thursday. “It has improved sidewalks.”

At the inaugural walk across the new bridge, the mayor — joined by the city’s Department of Transportation and members of the community — pointed out that people of all abilities will have an easier time using the bridge.

“Whether they are using a cane or a wheelchair, they will be able to access this very important pedestrian asset,” Bowser said.

The bridge crosses over the I-295 corridor in Northeast and will help those that live in the neighborhoods of Parkside, Mayfair and Eastland Gardens get to the Deanwood Metro station.

The bridge’s construction cost about $17 million.

“I’m 61 years old, I don’t like going all the way around,” said Claude McCain, of Kenilworth. He told WTOP that the new pedestrian bridge will save him 40 minutes of extra walking a day.

The original Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge was built in the 1950s and had become structurally damaged and was deteriorating, according to D.C. officials.

“It was low. It ended before the service lanes. It was really unsafe for pedestrians,” said Sharon Kershbaum, acting director of D.C.’s Department of Transportation. “This is an upgrade in every sense of the way.”

She told WTOP that nearly $14 million of the $17 million bridge was funded by grants from the federal government.

After the inaugural walk across the bridge, Mayor Bowser expressed appreciation to the members of DDOT that were in attendance.

“I want to say thank you to all the people you see in the yellow jackets because they were able to get this bridge up and keep the highway open,” Bowser said.

WTOP’s Ciara Wells contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON (7News) — After walking out of the White House, relatives of U.S. hostages being held by Hamas said an hour-long meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden left them with a new feeling of optimism.

They said after asking difficult questions and getting answers, that they could not share, they were filled with the most optimism they have had since the first round of hostage releases last year.

“We did get a commitment from the President and from the Prime Minister that both teams will be working by the hour in the coming days to put out an adjusted proposal to Hamas, and they understood completely and partnered with us around the urgency,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of hostage Sagy Chen.

They also said they were well aware of the fiery protests taking place around the District that included the burning of an American flag and monuments being tagged with paint.

READ MORE | At least 23 arrested in DC as thousands protest Israeli PM Netanyahu’s speech to Congress

“People have the right and obligation to speak their mind,” said Dekel-Chen. “We all accept that. Some of it is hurtful because our loved one’s lives are in the balance, and this is not a political science laboratory for us. But as long as the rules of democracy, and as long as one doesn’t go over that line with hate speech and incitement, then that’s what democracy should be.”

The visit by Netanyahu stirred the anger of pro-Palestine demonstrators throughout the week.

The protests led to clean-up efforts on a relatively quiet Thursday.

READ MORE | Crews begin clean-up of Union Station’s Columbus Circle after Netanyahu protests

The families of U.S. hostages said they do not believe the election season and leadership change will set them back now that a change in the White House is now a certainty.

“On the contrary, I actually think it allows the President to be laser-focused on the things that are true priorities to him, and saving human beings, cherished human beings, 115 of them, eight of whom are U.S. citizens, is one paramount issue for him,” said Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

“We’ve got a rare moment now where the current President of the United States and anybody who might become President of the United States, both Vice-President Harris and Donald Trump, are all aligned in saying this deal must get done now,” said Jonathan Polin, father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

Looking for some fun activities to do with kids and teenagers during summer vacation? The entire family can head to pop-up activations, kid-friendly festivals, and an all-day arcade at a museum.

Kids World

Take your kiddos to Franklin Park this weekend for an immersive pop-up packed with hands-on activities, installations, and games. Kids and teens can participate in art projects like face painting, coloring, and beading; work out with super heroes Wonder Woman and Spiderman; watch a teddy bear parade, and more (free).

LuminoCity’s Dino Safari Festival

Children can stroll through a dinosaur-themed light sculpture festival this summer. State-of-the-art animatronics are paired with light art to present a display of more than 70 life-size mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and other prehistoric creatures. In addition to the Ice Age attractions, kids can ride a carousel, play in a bounce house, and go on a scavenger hunt for fossils ($20+ for adults, free for children under 3).

Live From the Lawn

Summer is in full swing, bringing outdoor concerts to parks and yards across town. The Strathmore’s live music series features 11 family-friendly blues, go-go, and bluegrass concerts on Wednesdays through August 21, and kids concerts on Thursdays through August 1. Upcoming Cool Concerts for Kids headliners include Marsha and the Positrons—a indie band that plays songs about science—and a hip-hop youth dance party led by Fyütch (free).

Pixar Putt

Practice your mini-golf swing alongside Pixar characters at the Wharf’s family-friendly summer pop-up. The putt-putt course extends through 18 interactive holes inspired by Disney and Pixar movies such as Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., and Turning Red ($32.50 for adults, $30 for children).

“Placita Mágica” exhibit

This summer National Children’s Museum opened the museum’s 50th anniversary exhibition, “Placita Mágica.” The exhibit explores traditional Mexican culture through sensory and playful science, technology, math, and art experiences. Youngsters can build objects, create papel picado designs, and play in a ball maze ($19 for adults, free for children under 1).

SAAM Arcade

Calling all gamers to the Smithsonian: The SAAM Arcade returns to DC this weekend. Video game enthusiasts of all ages can play classic arcade games as well as a selection of games from independent developers, all while enjoying live performances from the Triforce Quartet. Also, kids and teens can take a break from the game controllers to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum (free).

Peach Fuzztival

Go peach-picking with your little ones at Great Country Farms. The entire family can participate in a peach-eating contest, a peach-pit spitting contest, bingo, water games, live music, and more; there’s peach hard cider for adults, too ($14 for adults, $12 for children, peaches are sold separately).