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The Menlo Park City Council has chosen a set of temporary furniture upgrades for the closed portion of the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue, the area slated to become a long-term public plaza and community gathering space. The decision marks the first step in a multi-phase effort to transform the block, which has been closed to eastbound vehicle traffic under a 2023 council resolution.
In the long term, the City Council is deciding how to make the space a community “living room.” The council is considering installing public art, a small stage, shaded areas and spaces for events.
But for now, the city is looking at minor improvements. There are currently three tables that are “ratty” and need to be replaced in the space. The council recommended city staff plan to purchase at least two models of modern infrastructure.
While the city is not committing to using the same style of furniture across downtown, it is an option and if it is not a success on the 600 block, the furniture can be used across the city. City staff with help from a consultant are still determining how many pieces and the variety to order.
“The users, for lack of a better word, who have made this a success have been the kids, specifically the kids from Hillview, and then some of the the schools on Valparaiso Avenue, and so let’s not forget them in this… let’s make it something that’s exciting and interesting to them,” Mayor Drew Combs said.
The city is pursuing a three-phase improvement plan, beginning with the furniture improvements and preliminary accessibility upgrades, including a modular, portable ADA ramp as an interim solution and beginning to define safety zones using planters or benches that could double as barriers.
Public Works recently began a comprehensive review of downtown maintenance needs, including trash receptacle replacement, sidewalk power-washing (currently nine times a year), newspaper rack permitting, irrigation repairs and the removal or renovation of aging wooden kiosks.
Approximately $477,515 is available in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan for downtown streetscape improvements. Staff will return to the council later this year with purchasing and installation costs for the selected furniture.
Learn more about the project at menlopark.gov/600block.
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