John F. Shelley Drive was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic starting in April 2020.

This ordinance would approve a permanent closure to private vehicles of John F. Shelley Drive between the Upper Reservoir Parking Lot and Mansell Street to create a promenade for walking, biking, and other non-vehicular access to improve accessibility and mobility.

The street is no longer needed for private vehicle traffic; ensures the safety and protection of persons using the street; and leaves a sufficient portion of the surrounding streets for other public uses including vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.

Significant feedback in support of the closure was received from neighbors and visitors during the temporary closure, voicing strong support for the permanent closure to create the promenade.

The Recreation and Park Department would restrict private vehicles from John F. Shelley Drive. The General Manager of the Recreation and Park Department shall have the authority to allow vehicular traffic on street segments that would otherwise be closed to vehicles under this Section 6.13.1 in circumstances which in the General Manager’s judgment constitute an emergency.

The Recreation and Park Department shall include on its website a map depicting the street segment subject to the street closure and traffic restriction and any other information deemed appropriate to assist the public. Emergency vehicles and official vehicles performing official business pertaining to McLaren Park or any property or facility therein are exempt from this restriction.