“I am happy to announce the return of Walkable Main Street this Summer to downtown Edmonds,” stated Mayor Mike Nelson. “This year Walkable Main Street will run over a shorter, more focused time period.”
Walkable Main Street 2021 will again run all day and evening on both Saturdays and Sundays, beginning the weekend of June 19th-20th and concluding over Labor Day Weekend, September 4th-5th.
The street closure area will be the same as in 2020. It will run along Main Street from 6th Avenue to 3rd Avenue. Vehicle U-turns will continue to be allowed around the Fountain, with clear pedestrian pathways protected by metal crowd fencing.
“After hearing from the public as well as our downtown businesses, we are looking forward to bringing back this popular program that promotes the charm of our city, encouraging shoppers and diners from Edmonds and the greater Puget Sound region to enjoy our downtown in a safe and comfortable way,” said Mayor Nelson.
The City sought input from the public and stakeholders through several means: two public surveys, a business roundtable, Councilmember input, emails, calls, and Facebook comments. Holding Walkable Main Street on Saturdays and Sundays was the clear front-runner in public opinion among the various options.
The 2021 Walkable Main Street program is responding to the various suggestions and concerns by implementing:
- More areas of public parking will be provided, with adequate and better signage
- ADA parking will be added in the public parking lot next to City Hall and elsewhere
- A number of seating and tables will be provided along Main Street
Additionally, the City is planning a substantial promotion of Main Street retailers to be made via the City Facebook page and through signage and handouts. A cross-promotion campaign between retailers and restaurants will also be pursued to encourage visitors to both shop and dine while they enjoy Walkable Main Street.
For more information or if you have questions about Walkable Main Street, feel free to contact Economic Development and Community Services Director Patrick Doherty at [email protected] or 425-771-0251.