Philomath moves forward with North 13th Street improvements and pilots ‘Fridays on 13th’ pedestrian nights

The Philomath City Council on May 11 reviewed concept plans for North 13th Street improvements and signaled support for a pilot pedestrian program called "Fridays on 13th." Staff said urban renewal funds are available for near-term lighting and pavilion construction; the interactive digital kiosk remains conceptual pending procurement and cost review.

The proposed improvements include lighting upgrades, a timber pavilion intended to cover a touchscreen kiosk and public programming, and minor streetscape work. City Manager Chris said staff would prioritize lighting and the pavilion and pursue multiple bids for the kiosk hardware and software. The kiosk design described in the packet includes touchscreen wayfinding, local business hours, event information and a built-in camera for photos; staff said the vendor market for such kiosks often sells them at volume and municipal procurement can affect delivery timing.

Council unanimously supported piloting Fridays on 13th in summer months (initially June–August) to close a half‑block to vehicles for pedestrian activities and small-scale programming. Staff said portable barricades would be used, coordinated with police for placement and safety, and that some nights would be city-run while others would be organized by community groups. Staff also discussed liability options: small volunteer-run activities likely require minimal processing, while larger attractions would need certificates of insurance and event coordination. Councilors suggested rotating themes, teen‑oriented evenings and occasional outdoor movie nights.

Why it matters: the program pairs capital improvements with place activation to draw residents and visitors downtown and to support local businesses. Staff described the plan as intentionally modest and iterative: if the pilot attracts participation and local partners, the city can expand programming; if not, it can end the pilot after the initial run.

What happens next: staff will pursue bids for lighting and pavilion work, return with price estimates, and schedule a brief follow-up to finalize the pilot’s details after the budget meeting.