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Last spring, the Menlo Park City Council decided that “improving Downtown vibrancy “ is a top strategic priority for fiscal year 2025-2026. And in early July, it agreed to transform the existing popular – but unfortunately now shabby and unkept – area on the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue into an appealing space that would also be a source of community pride. On July 8, the Council conducted a study session with the design consultant, the M-Group. (See Design Concept Presentation). Ali El Safy, the owner of Bistro Vida and Bar Loretta, and I are pleased many of the design, layout and amenities we had proposed in the Almanac last May have been adopted. And M-Group added some new promising new ideas including shade sails and a colorful street mural. In this post, we encourage the Council to create a credible implementation plan and schedule, so our community knows when to expect the plaza to open. We also propose another significant enhancement
New Plaza Design
Our Current Observations
- In early July, the Council “brainstormed” ideas about new city activities and programs that might be supported in the plaza. We believe the Council should focus instead on simply creating an inviting space that attracts both individuals and social groups. Many city activities and programs are already staged at Fremont Park, and much smaller community-provided events, e.g., music, presentations, speakers, will be suitable in the plaza.
. - Ali and I have offered to help the Council refine the preliminary design for the new plaza, but our invitation was declined.
. - The Council had requested the consultant conduct some kind of public outreach in August, but we have seen no evidence this happened.
. - The city has not published a project plan with milestones and schedule, so neither the Council nor city staff are motivated to bring this project to life with any sense of urgency. This unfortunately, is a common Council practice and one our community should insist be changed.
Our Additional Recommendations
- Create public seating between the bike lane and outdoor dining areas. Ali has already temporarily placed attractive planters that separate users and passing bicyclists. This space would be a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of the main plaza.
. - The plaza surface must be level. This means the surface is above the adjacent sidewalk because the crown of the street is higher. The surface also needs to be durable and easily kept clean.
. - A street mural is an essential design element. San Mateo, San Carlos, and Mountain View all provide this lively feature in their public places, so identifying a durable painted surface is clearly possible.
. - A children’s play area is not a good idea. Few adults and young adults will want to share this small area with very young children, and most parents would not view this as a safe place.
. - Small storage building might be required to store items like foldable chairs, gardening and plaza maintenance equipment.
New Plaza Dimensions (My Illustration)
Closing Comment
Winter is only three months away and our community would enjoy using the new plaza before it rains and during the holiday season. This is a very achievable objective. Will the Council make it happen?
Photos of Existing Public Area
These ugly traffic barriers have not been maintained by city for many years.
Trash remains on sidewalk in front of Starbucks for three days in September 2025.
Wooden picnic tables are damaged beyond repair and are uncomfortable for many adults.
Visit Reimagine Menlo Park
Menlo Park residents deserve an inviting New Downtown – far superior to what exists now, a place that better serves our interests, reflects our shared values, and becomes a source of community pride. A place where residents and visitors not only shop, eat and access personal services, but also relax, stroll, gather for social activities, unexpectedly encounter friends, and enjoy regular community events.
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