Winter weather is quickly approaching, and across Ohio, that can include anything from rainy, 50-degree days to sustained sub-zero temperatures paired with 3 ft. of snow. As COVID-19 cases are on the rise statewide, it’s apparent that it is unsafe for people to gather in tight or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Access to outdoor space is critical for individuals who are now spending a lot more time at home than they are used to. Improving the livability of the outdoors during the winter months requires creative problem solving to deal with issues of snow and cold, while tapping into the advantages of open-air programming and the beauty of winter.

Public health and safety remain paramount, but people will want to meet. There are ways for municipalities to create the spaces necessary for people to gather safely and engage with businesses outdoors.

Rapid responses to expanding outdoor seating and gathering space over the summer showcased that local governments have untapped capacity to support small business by getting creative and flexible about their rules. For example, the City of Seattle recently extended its free and expedited permitting process for sidewalk seating and outdoor plazas through October of 2021. In addition, Seattle announced it would begin issuing free tent and heater permits for restaurants who wish to winterize their patios, eliminating previous burdensome and costly requirements. Taking it one step further, the Northville Downtown Development Authority in Northville, MI is installing heated stands and pods throughout the streets until early March through their “Heat in the Street” experience to facilitate outdoor dining and shopping. The heated pods allow people to gather in the winter and purchase food from local restaurants, while still having the public health benefit of being outdoors.

The City of Hamilton has used CARES Act funds to help local restaurants purchase dining igloos; a number of restaurants in cities like Dayton and Cleveland have already installed theirs.  Other restaurants are encouraging patrons to “BYOB”-bring your own blanket-for patio dining.

Areas of the state that experience heavy snowfall during the winter will have the additional challenge and opportunity to facilitate programming that incorporates this winter staple. Using existing city parks and open space for winter activities like sledding, ice skating, or cross-country skiing creates opportunities for socially-distanced exercise. Equally as important, cities should have a plowing and clearing plan in place that prioritizes snow and ice removal on key sidewalks and walkways. Planners should also consider other elements, like wind direction, sun exposure, and drainage for plowed snow and ice.

Other ideas include:

• The City of Cleveland is hosting its annual WinterFest on Public Square, with events planned through mid-January that includes holiday lighting, ice staking, and outdoor restaurants featuring Greenhouse Dining.

• Setting up color and lighting installations can offset the darkness and monotony of the winter season. The City of Caldwell, ID transforms itself into a winter wonderland every year, with a citywide light display and public ice-skating rink.

• The City of Winnipeg, Manitoba hosts an annual arts and architecture competition to design and build a “Warming Hut.” The huts are then displayed on a skating trail for the public to interact with. The competition draws entries from around the world.

• Create a micro-grant program for business owners to expand curb-side pick-up and outdoor patio winterization. Chicago recently held a Winter Dining Challenge, which called on architects to submit designs for heated outdoor eating spaces for a cash prize. The city also recently announced a new $500,000 grant program designed to help restaurants fund “winterizing” efforts.

For more ideas on how to lean into winter fun, check out the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Main Street Center’s COVID-19 Response: Winter Strategies for Downtowns and Business Districts.

Additionally, an upcoming webinar on Friday (11/20) from the National Main Street Center will more cover quick, low-cost interventions to successfully activate public space during winter months. Register here.

Other resources include Wintermission, underwritten by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and this round-up by CityLab.