Share your input on Downtown Midland’s 2025 Pedestrian Plaza

The 2025 season of the Downtown Midland Pedestrian Plaza wrapped up on September 28, 2025. As we look ahead to next year, we want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us continually enhance the experience for everyone who visits, dines, shops, or enjoys an evening downtown.

The Pedestrian Plaza began in 2020 as a creative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From that challenge came something special: two blocks of Main Street – between Ashman and Rodd – transformed into a pedestrian-only zone filled with life and activity. What started as a temporary solution quickly became a community favorite, returning each year thanks to the enthusiastic support of residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Today, the Pedestrian Plaza offers:

  • Expanded outdoor dining and gathering spaces for downtown businesses

  • Comfortable public seating for relaxing with friends and family

  • Games and activities for all ages

  • Free community entertainment throughout the week, including live music every Friday and Saturday night through The Commons Live Music Series.

The Pedestrian Plaza is administered by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) with the goal of attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and creating a vibrant gathering place that celebrates community. This initiative—and the Commons Live Music Series—are made possible through the generous support of local sponsors and partners. The Pedestrian Plaza has been approved by Midland City Council through the 2028 season.   

We invite you to take this short survey from the perspective of a visitor to the Downtown Midland Pedestrian Plaza.  
Your responses can remain anonymous, though sharing basic demographic information helps us understand who we’re hearing from and fosters constructive community dialogue about the plaza experience.

What’s Next?

Feedback from this survey will be reviewed by the Downtown Development Authority, Midland Downtown Business Association, City staff, and Midland City Council.  Your input will guide improvements, future planning, and continued enhancements to the Downtown Midland Pedestrian Plaza experience.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and for helping shape the future of Downtown Midland!

Take the survey here: www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/ecityhall. 

                                                               

 

Previous year’s feedback:

2024 :

 2024 Commons Pedestrian Plaza Community Responses

2024 Pedestrian Plaza Survey Business Responses

The feedback from both of these surveys was shared with City staff, the Downtown Development Authority Board, Downtown Midland businesses and property owners, and the Midland City Council to help determine the future of the Pedestrian Plaza.

After further conversations and community comment the DDA board sent a recommendation to Midland City Council on Monday, December 9 to extend the Pedestrian Plaza beyond 2025. 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 the 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮g𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖.

 

2023: