The community is invited to a ribbon cutting for the Paseo Arts District streetscape project at 11 a.m. on May 10 on the corner of NW 30th Street and Paseo.
Speakers include Mayor David Holt, Ward 2 Councilperson James Cooper and Paseo Arts Association Executive Director Amanda Bleakley. Edgar Cruz, guitar extraordinaire, will provide live music.
Oklahoma City's Better Streets, Safer City bond election funded the $4 million streetscape along the historic arts corridor. The project focused on improving the district’s walkability and ADA access by replacing sidewalks, repaving streets and upgrading handicapped parking. The project also includes new benches, trash cans, bike racks, message boards, streetlights, landscaping, irrigation and added pet waste stations.
“We are so excited to celebrate all the stakeholders involved who made this project possible and appreciate the funding we received from the City,” Paseo Arts Association Executive Director Amanda Bleakley said.
Funds from the Better Streets, Safer City bond election also installed water and electrical infrastructure to support festivals held in the district, including the 2024 Paseo Arts Festival, May 25 – 27. The popular Memorial Day weekend event attracts thousands of people annually.
“Paseo is one of Oklahoma City’s most unique districts, and one of its most venerable," Mayor David Holt said. "It evolves and it changes, but its desirability has been the one constant. To sustain Paseo’s progress, we need to invest in its public infrastructure. I’m so glad we could make this commitment, and I believe it lays the foundation for Paseo’s continued success.”
About the Paseo
The historic Paseo Arts District is home to over 20 galleries and more than 80 artists, all within walking distance. Intermingled with the galleries are restaurants, boutiques and more. The Paseo was built in 1929 as the first shopping district north of downtown. The curved, two-block street has maintained its Spanish revival architecture with original stucco buildings and intact clay tile roofs. The Paseo is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
About Better Streets, Safer City
In 2017, Oklahoma City voters approved a 13-proposition bond package and two sales tax initiatives called Better Streets, Safer City. The 10-year, $967 million bond package invests in streets, police and fire facilities, parks and other basic needs. A permanent ¼ center sales tax is helping hire 129 more police officers and 57 more firefighters with an annual $26 million boost for public safety and other day-to-day operations. A temporary penny sales tax extension included in the project generated an additional $240 million for street resurfacing, streetscapes, trails, sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure.