The Gainesville downtown square will be open to pedestrians only for several days next week.
City officials call it an “Expanded Square Weekend” and between July 5-July 7 the square will be open to pedestrians only.
“For three nights only, the square will be reserved strictly for pedestrians – families, couples and individuals – wishing to explore historic Gainesville and its many phenomenal offerings,” said Public Relations Director Christina Santee-Moss. “In recent years, the City is pleased to have witnessed the square beaming with a renewed vibrancy and teeming with visitors enjoying some of the best restaurants, retailers and tasting rooms Gainesville has to offer. Downtown Gainesville has definitely become THE place to be, especially on weekends.”
The experimental action comes in direct response to community feedback. In March, the City called for participation in a series of public input meetings where community stakeholders could share their ideas for the future of downtown Gainesville.
“Through these meetings, the City sought to learn what the public desired out of their town square, whether it be commercial or recreational development, interactive elements like a water feature or public art, or permanent framework supporting live entertainment and community events,” Santee-Moss said. “Based on data collected from self-led interactive stations, plus a survey, we were surprised to learn there was an overwhelming interest in exploring the possibility of a city center that’s more pedestrian friendly.”
Since the City will already reroute traffic around the square for Main Street Gainesville’s First Friday Concert, leaders decided to capitalize on the opportunity to put community feedback to the test. Instead of roads reopening after 10 p.m. July 5, barricades will remain in place until collected first thing Monday morning, July 8.
The interior of the square closes to thru traffic starting at roughly 2 p.m. July 5. Parking on the square will be closed off around 1 p.m. From July 5-7, traffic outside the square will still be able to make right-hand turns from Washington Street to Bradford Street, Main Street to Washington Street and Spring Street to Main Street.
Those who visit the square July 5, July 6 or July 7, including business owners and employees, will have the opportunity to participate in a survey seeking feedback on the experimental closure.