The City of Santa Monica will host the first interactive workshop for the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway project on Saturday, March 16.
The workshop will introduce the project objectives and solicit ideas, feedback, and concerns of the surrounding community.
After an overview and interactive mapping activity, community members will participate in a one-hour walk or bike audit.
The audit will consist of community members assembling in groups to visit the project areas with City staff and the design team to discuss opportunities for improving the public realm.
A brief regrouping and discussion will occur afterward. Refreshments, childcare, and Spanish translation will be provided.
The Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway project is envisioned to enhance the pedestrian and cyclist experience along a three-mile corridor on Michigan Avenue and adjoining streets within Santa Monica.
The concept of the greenway is to provide residents and visitors with a safe and comfortable place to walk or bike, interact with neighbors, play, travel, and relax, and it will connect the community to key destinations and neighborhoods.
The project will explore increased landscaping, crosswalk improvements, cycling features, installation of benches, wayfinding signage, public art, and other amenities to create a neighborhood-focused streetscape.
Key to this planning process is robust engagement with the neighborhoods and community stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on those along the Greenway: the Pico Neighborhood, Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica College, the Bergamot Station Arts Center area, and of course the residents of Michigan Avenue.
The community will provide a critical voice as the team assesses mobility, access and safety along the greenway, in addition to economic opportunity, equity and environmental protection throughout the project area.
The project has been generously funded by a Caltrans Environmental Justice Grant.
The workshop will take place at Virginia Avenue Park, Thelma Terry Building, 2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
