Salida’s F Street Plaza Expands Halfway Down Second Street

The F Street Plaza has proven successful since its addition to Salida’s summers in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But for some business owners on the 200 block of F Street, just past Second Street, frustrations came to light in city council meetings as well as Salida Business Alliance meetings that their retail stores were being left out of the pedestrian area.

After communication between the city and businesses, this section of the 200 Block of F Street between Second and Third Streets will remain partially closed to vehicles for the month of July as a trial run.

The F Street Plaza now extends halfway up the 200 block of F Street to include more businesses. New pedestrian area is in foreground. Image by Brooke Gilmore.

Many businesses on this block complained that their sales dropped due to the closure, some even noting that they watched people walk up the block and turn around at the barricades. This addition to the plaza is done with the hope that all businesses on F Street will see the benefit of the closure to vehicles.

After discussing the new closure today with business owners on the block, all had seen some improvement related to sales and foot traffic. Many business owners are planning to implement additional attractions in the newly closed-off area such as tents for art sales.

Those traveling with vehicles should note that cars can access F street northbound up until the alley on Second Street, but not beyond. Drivers must turn left by Natural Grocers (the alley only goes westbound from F to G St.)

Currently, this portion of the road is acting as a one-way street and cars have been spotted parking and traveling in the wrong direction. When heading down the street, drivers are asked to use the alley to exit the street and both drivers and pedestrians should use extra caution in this area..