Midland residents enjoyed good beats and beer throughout downtown over the weekend as the city’s Main Street launched into Pedestrian Plaza mode for the remainder of the summer.
The Pedestrian Plaza was established in 2020 to boost businesses affected by the pandemic shutdown, said City of Midland Community Affairs Director Selina Harris. The plaza closes Main Street between Ashman and Rodd streets to motor vehicles to make it entirely walkable, providing extra seating and games.
Live music is played weekly. On Saturday, Leave Those Kids Alone, a Canadian band made up of teenagers and one pre-teen, had residents dancing and nodding along to classic rock hits from Fleetwood Mac, Cheap Trick and Pink Floyd.
“We love (the Pedestrian Plaza),” said Jake Steinbrecher, a Midland resident who was playing cornhole with his son. “We come down here almost once a weekend.”
As the band was setting up, Midland resident Lisa Farrier sat in a lawn chair with her friend with a drink in hand.
“I think it’s awesome,” she said of the Pedestrian Plaza. “It brings in a lot of businesses (and) a lot of money.”
The plaza had rows of lawn chairs and many groups of people moved through with drinks, food and other items. Often, they would stop and listen to a song–and maybe even join in a “Ballroom Blitz.”
The plaza’s walkability makes it easy to explore and get involved with businesses or relax, Selina Harris said.
“What it opens up for people is the ability to explore more of Downtown Midland,” she said. “You can easily cross the road in the downtown plaza, you can visit businesses that perhaps you haven’t seen before. It’s a lot quieter, more relaxed environment.”
While some residents were not aware of the plaza for a while, Harris said it has spread through word of mouth.
“We hear over and over again (from residents), ‘We loved it so much. We invited our friends from across the state, or perhaps from other states,'” she said. “They bring family and friends down as people become exposed to the Pedestrian Plaza and want others to enjoy it as well.”
Right now, Harris said the city does not have plans to expand the plaza to other streets. The plaza was approved through 2025, and next year the event organizers will start asking residents whether they would like to keep the plaza longer-term, she said.
The atmosphere brought resident Eric Fridline out to the plaza, he said.
“It’s an experience to get away from the work week and great to see people having fun, having a beer, and listening to live music,” he said. “Growing up in the Flint area, there wasn’t much to do. Coming to Midland now for six years, being able to go out on a weekend and just walk around town…I love it.”
The Pedestrian Plaza will be in effect until the last week of September.
