Celebrating an Open Main Street Over Four Weekends Beginning July 24-25
July 12, 2021 11:19 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – It’s time to get outside and reconnect with friends and neighbors on an open Main Street for four weekends this summer in Santa Monica: July 24 - 25, August 21 - 22, September 18 - 19, and October 16 - 17. The two blocks between Hill and Kinney streets will become a pedestrian plaza where the Santa Monica community can safely enjoy al fresco dining, family-friendly activities, and other fun experiences with local businesses. “Sharing an Open Main Street” was initiated by the Main Street Business Improvement Association and Ocean Park Association to support local businesses and community wide recovery. The City Council approved the concept on a pilot basis building on the successful Al Fresco sidewalk dining and parklet program.
“This is a pilot that builds on the creative ways we’ve adapted our sidewalks and public spaces during the pandemic,” said Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “Now that we can safely gather again, Main Street is a perfect backdrop for a summer block party in support of the small, local businesses that kept us going throughout the last year. I hope to see many familiar faces out on Main Street!”
“For years, merchants and residents have wanted to explore the possibility of making Main Street more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. This is our opportunity and we’re very excited to be a part of it,” said Hunter Hall, Executive Director of the Main Street Business Improvement Association.
Vehicle traffic will be detoured from Main Street to Neilson Way. The traffic light at Main Street and Ashland Avenue will remain operational to support passthrough traffic to and from the public parking lots. Here’s the detour and parking map:
During the four weekends, bus stops within the plaza footprint will be temporarily closed.
Big Blue Bus riders will temporarily be served from the following three stops:
- Westbound Marine Street near side Neilson Way
- Eastbound Marine Street near side Main Street
- Southbound Main Street near side Ocean Park Boulevard
Bicyclists and scooter users need to dismount within the plaza footprint. Parking is available in the public lots west of Main Street and, after 8 p.m. on the west side of Neilson Way.
"Sharing an Open Main Street is an exciting way for the Ocean Park community to celebrate coming out of COVID-19 and is a tremendous opportunity for us to collectively test out a more pedestrian friendly Main Street,” said Sean Besser, Ocean Park Association Executive Board Member.
Sharing an Open Main Street builds on the popular Al Fresco sidewalk and parklet dining program brought to you by the City of Santa Monica, Main Street Business Improvement Association, and Ocean Park Association. It was approved as a pilot by the City Council and funded by grants, including from Metro’s Open Streets program, to promote business recovery and community resilience after COVID-19.
More Information
Sharing an Open Main Street webpage >
Flyer >
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov
Categories
Arts, Culture & Fun, Get Involved, Getting Around, Street Closures, Ways to Get Around