The first Open Streets: Morgan Hill event will take place May 13, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the city’s downtown without the disturbance of vehicle traffic.
From 9am-1pm, Monterey Road will be closed to vehicles through downtown Morgan Hill, between Main Avenue and Fourth Street. Motorized traffic will be replaced with live music, booths and a variety of family-friendly activities, according to city staff.
People are encouraged to walk, bike or roll through downtown as they enjoy local businesses and restaurants. The nearby Depot Street Farmers Market and Sidewalk Saturdays on Third Street will be open during the Open Streets event.
“We are excited to host the city’s first Open Streets: Morgan Hill event on Saturday, May 13,” said Nichole Martin, Morgan Hill Community Services Supervisor. “This is an opportunity for the community to explore part of downtown Morgan Hill without vehicle traffic. We hope to see this event return as an annual activity for the community.”
Activities and booths scheduled in downtown Morgan Hill during Open Streets include:
– Live music by the Shand Walton Band and The Soft Lights Band.
– A Bike Rodeo hosted by Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation.
– Chalk Art Zone, hosted by the Morgan Hill Library Culture and Arts Commission.
– Imagination Mobile, hosted by the Santa Clara County Library District.
– Face Painting by the Morgan Hill Youth Action Council.
– Aloha Fun Center Mobile Skate Rental, sponsored by the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Department.
– The Morgan Hill Fire Department.
– Active Santa Clara County, which is part of Santa Clara County’s Active Transportation Plan.
– And booths hosted by the city’s Parks & Recreation department, Environmental Services and more.
Open Streets: Morgan Hill is part of the city’s Bike and Pedestrian Education and Encouragement program, city staff added. The event is funded through VTA’s 2016 Measure B and city funds.
The downtown section of Monterey Road will be closed from 7am-2pm, though the Open Streets events will occur from 9am-1pm, according to city staff. The downtown parking garage and Depot Street will be open and accessible to vehicle traffic.
Similar open streets events have taken place in communities across the country for many years, allowing residents and visitors to get out of their vehicles and enjoy their neighborhoods and destinations at a slower pace and get to know their community better. Such events became increasingly common during the Covid-19 pandemic when restrictions were imposed on indoor gathering, and have remained popular since those guidelines have been lifted.
No, we’re not shutting down one lane on Monterey Road in downtown Morgan Hill. That will be left to the voters in ALL subsequent elections.
Thanks for the report, good to hear.