Better Streets Initiative Funds Paseo Arts District Update

One of Oklahoma City's most unique districts is getting a little bit of a facelift.

The goal is to improve safety and accessibility without changing too much of the character.

The Paseo Arts District has had to ask the city to come fix potholes every year before their arts fest which happens on Memorial Day weekend so that it's safe for people to come out.

So, the city has decided to use funds from the Better Streets, Safer Cities initiative to completely redo the roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and ramps of the district.

The Paseo wants to make their district safer and more inviting for visitors to come to, but they don't want it to look any different.

Crews will focus on making everything ADA compliant and safe for pedestrians.

Mike Clark, the project manager, said they don't want to disrupt the district too much. 

"I think the cool thing for me about Paseo is that they have been very in tune to how do they make folks feel like they can still come out even though it is still under construction," Clark said.

The First Friday events will not be affected; city crews will stop and clean up the first Friday of every month and resume work the following Monday

They will also try to make sure the street is never fully shut down and no businesses have to close their doors because of construction.

The project is expected to start after Paseo Arts Fest 2023 and end before the start of Paseo Arts Fest 2024.