From early June until the end of September, Main Street is closed to all vehicle traffic and parking at Ashman, McDonald, and Rodd streets to create The Commons Pedestrian Plaza, an expanded vehicle-free outdoor area open for all to enjoy! The Pedestrian Plaza originated in 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic so restaurants could provide a safe outdoor space for guests to eat and the plaza has become an important community gathering area since.

The Pedestrian Plaza is a unique public space filled with expanded outdoor dining options, retail area, gathering spaces, outdoor games, special events, activities, programs, live music, and more!

Since 2020, there has been a heavy focus on daytime programming, improved accessibility, and enhanced promotion of events and businesses. During summer you can enjoy free Adult Recess sessions every Wednesday, enjoy a free fitness class, attend a free concert every Friday/Saturday June – September, play ping pong or cornhole, relax on outdoor furniture, and much more!

In 2022, the Midland City Council gave multi-year approval to renew the Pedestrian Plaza annually from early June to late September through the 2025 season. On December 9, 2024, 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖. To gather community feedback on the plaza before this decision was made, Midland residents and guests alike were invited to fill out a survey  from August 2024 – October 2024. See the results here.

The Pedestrian Plaza is located within The Commons Refreshment Area, a multi-block designated social district that allows visitors to purchase, carry, and consume alcoholic beverages purchased from participating establishments located inside this area.

For visitors with limited mobility, drop-off zones can be found on Main Street at the Ashman and Rodd Street barriers. Vehicles may park in these spots temporarily to drop off individuals with mobility devices or limited mobility so they can more easily access the Pedestrian Plaza. Additionally, the following spaces have been temporarily designed as accessible parking spaces for sole use by vehicles with a State of Michigan approved disability license plate or parking placard:

  • Main Street – The second parking space north of Ashman Street on the west side of the street.
  • Ashman Street – The first parking spaces east of Main Street on the north and south sides of the street.
  • McDonald Street – All spaces from Larkin Street to the closure barrier are designated as accessible parking spaces.
  • Rodd Street – The first spot east of Main on the north side of the street.