Complete Streets

Washington Park Project Header

The Project

The project proposes the redevelopment of several internal roadways, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths within historic Washington Park consistent with the Washington Park / Center Square Complete Street Study prepared in May 2022.

Project Goals

The goal of the project is the following:

  • Improve mobility, safety, and access for all users
  • Minimize the negative effects of traffic in the project area, while managing the needs of events and access to the Park
  • Implement these transportation changes with input from stakeholders in ways that honor the historic nature of the Park

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

There was a public meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:00pm. (PDF Flyer). There was a brief presentation (link to the presentation) followed by an open house with boards (link to the boards PDF). 

Washington Park Public Workshop #2

The City and Creighton Manning progressed the designs based on feedback received at the first public meeting which was held on Wednesday, October 15. Here is a link to the PowerPoint and here is a link to the boards shown at that meeting. All comments received on the project up to October 31, 2025, have been reviewed and considered by the City and the project; responses to the comments will be made available on this project website prior to the meeting in December.

Prior Project Public Meetings:

The City and Creighton Manning progressed the designs based on feedback received from the Washington Park Conservancy, community leaders, City staff, and the first public meeting which was held on Wednesday, October 15. Here is a link to the powerpoint  and here is a link to the boards.  The public were able to provide comments through Friday, October 31, 2025. After that, the City and Creighton Manning developed responses to the comments received.  The concepts presented at the December open house reflect revisions to the designs based on that feedback. Creighton Manning will review comments made on the latest concepts with City officials before finalizing designs that will advance to construction in 2026.

This project is an implementation of priorities identified in the Complete Streets Study.

Washington Park Center Square Logo

The City of Albany initiated this Complete Streets Traffic Planning Study for the Washington Park Area. The study evaluates pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic circulation within the area, using a Complete Streets approach to enable safe, convenient, and comfortable travel/access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation.

Center Square Map


Study Objective

The purpose of this complete streets study is to:

  • Identify transportation network enhancements that honor the historical nature of Washington Park.
  • Reduce or minimize the negative effects of traffic in the study area.
  • Consider mobility and access for park users of all abilities including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, emergency access, parking impacts, and special events.
  • Draft Report
  • Draft Executive Summary

Study Collaborations

  • Washington Park Neighborhood Association
  • Hudson Park Neighborhood Association
  • Center Square Neighborhood Association
  • Park South Neighborhood Association
  • Walkable Albany
  • Washington Park Conservancy
  • Lark Street BID
  • Albany Parking Authority
  • Albany Common Council Member Richard Conti (6th Ward 1997-2021)
  • Albany Common Council Member Gabriella Romero (6th Ward) 
  • CDTA
  • In Our Own Voices
  • Capital District Latinos
  • Capital District Pride Center
  • Northeastern Association of the Blind Albany NABA
  • Albany Bicycle Coalition

First Implementations of the Study: Capital Roots Quick Build Project

  1. 1 1-_DSC2769
  2. 2 2-_DSC2759
  3. 3 3-_DSC2749
  4. 4 4-_DSC2747

Starting Saturday, September 13, Capital Roots will install raised flower beds and vertical delineators to test out two improvements from the Study:

  • Willet Street Entrance – Narrowing the entrance from Madison Avenue
  • Henry Johnson Boulevard Intersection – Closing Washington Park Road at Henry Johnson Blvd. to prevent cross traffic near the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at State Street

These changes will:

✔ Slow down traffic

✔ Expand pedestrian & cyclist access

✔ Make intersections safer for everyone

Related Documents

  1. Albany Historic Preservation Plan (PDF)
  2. City of Albany Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan - Executive Summary
  3. Complete Streets Policy Design Manual w/Appendices
  4. Washington Park October Open House Boards.pdf
  5. Washington Park Public October Open House - Full Deck.pdf

Please email with any project related questions.