Officials Explore Pedestrian-Friendly Overhaul of Windward Avenue Ahead of Olympics

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Local officials in Venice are considering long-standing proposals to transform a key stretch of Windward Avenue into a more pedestrian-oriented corridor, with new concepts under review as the city prepares for the 2028 Olympics. The concepts would significantly reduce vehicle access in favor of expanded pedestrian space, including converting one block into a full pedestrian plaza and redesigning the adjacent block into a plaza-like space with a limited single westbound traffic lane.

Why it matters

The effort reflects decades of discussion about reshaping the Windward Avenue corridor, which remains dominated by vehicle traffic despite its popularity with visitors and its role as a gateway to the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk. The upcoming Olympic Games have added urgency to those conversations, as city leaders look to improve pedestrian access and public space in high-traffic tourist areas.

The details

The Venice Neighborhood Council is examining potential changes to two blocks of Windward Avenue between Speedway and Windward Circle. One proposal would convert the block between Speedway and Pacific Avenue into a full pedestrian plaza with no traffic lanes. A second concept would redesign the adjacent block between Pacific Avenue and Windward Circle into a plaza-like space while retaining a limited single westbound traffic lane.

• The Venice Neighborhood Council is currently examining the proposed changes.
• The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles have added urgency to the discussions about reshaping Windward Avenue.

What’s next

The Venice Neighborhood Council will continue to review the proposed concepts for Windward Avenue and gather public feedback before making a decision on any changes.