The City of Gainesville welcomes the public to enjoy the Historic Downtown Square for an “Expanded Square Weekend” Friday, July 5-Sunday, July 7, over Fourth of July weekend!

“For three nights only, the square will be reserved strictly for pedestrians – families, couples and individuals – wishing to explore historic Gainesville and its many phenomenal offerings,” said Public Relations Director Christina Santee-Moss. “In recent years, the City is pleased to have witnessed the square beaming with a renewed vibrancy and teeming with visitors enjoying some of the best restaurants, retailers and tasting rooms Gainesville has to offer. Downtown Gainesville has definitely become THE place to be, especially on weekends.”

The experimental action comes in direct response to community feedback. In March, the City called for participation in a series of public input meetings where community stakeholders could share their ideas for the future of downtown Gainesville.

“Through these meetings, the City sought to learn what the public desired out of their town square, whether it be commercial or recreational development, interactive elements like a water feature or public art, or permanent framework supporting live entertainment and community events,” Santee-Moss said. “Based on data collected from self-led interactive stations, plus a survey, we were surprised to learn there was an overwhelming interest in exploring the possibility of a city center that’s more pedestrian friendly.”

Since the City will already reroute traffic around the square for Main Street Gainesville’s First Friday Concert, leaders decided to capitalize on the opportunity to put community feedback to the test. Instead of roads reopening after 10 p.m. July 5, barricades will remain in place until collected first thing Monday morning, July 8.

“Community members cared enough to take time out of their busy schedules to attend these public input meetings and make their voices heard, so it only makes sense the City seriously consider their suggestions and explore whether they’re a good fit for the future of Gainesville,” Santee-Moss said.

To continue the excitement initiated by the First Friday Concert, slated for 7-10 p.m. July 5, the City will encourage businesses to expand their outdoor dining areas/seating, hold sidewalk sales, bring in live entertainment, etc.

“With traffic temporarily confined to the exterior of the square, the community will also have more room to gather and connect with one another, enjoy a picnic, play games like cornhole or Frisbee – all things that are normally limited to the smaller greenspace or sidewalks,” Santee-Moss said. “While we have absolutely no idea what to expect, we’re excited to see how pedestrians and businesses take advantage of space they don’t normally have except during City-hosted events. That, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to show the public we heard them loud and clear, and that we take their feedback seriously.”

The interior of the square closes to thru traffic starting at roughly 2 p.m. July 5. Parking on the square will be closed off around 1 p.m. From July 5-7, traffic outside the square will still be able to make right-hand turns from Washington Street to Bradford Street, Main Street to Washington Street and Spring Street to Main Street.

Those who visit the square July 5, July 6 or July 7, including business owners and employees, will have the opportunity to participate in a City survey seeking feedback on the experimental closure.