Santa Monica Airport Becomes 227-Acre Park in 2028

After more than 100 years of flight operations, Santa Monica Airport is trading runways for running trails in a transformation that reflects years of community vision.

The 227-acre airport site will close on December 31, 2028, and reopen as one of Southern California's largest urban parks. The city recently secured nearly $500,000 to begin planning the first 20 acres, which will include trails, fitness areas, and public gathering spaces.

The transformation follows a 2017 agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration that ended decades of legal disputes. The settlement allowed Santa Monica to gradually reduce airport operations and shorten the runway while planning for the site's future.

Community voices shaped every step of the process. City officials hosted dozens of public meetings and collected thousands of survey responses to understand what residents wanted for the space.

The timing addresses a real need in the region. Los Angeles ranks among major cities with the least amount of curated urban park space per resident, making large green areas especially valuable in densely populated neighborhoods.

The Ripple Effect

Creating a 227-acre park in an urban area does more than add green space. It provides room for families to gather, athletes to train, and communities to host cultural events in a region where open land is increasingly rare.

The project also shows how long-term planning can resolve conflicts that seem permanent. What started as heated debates between airport supporters and nearby residents evolved into collaborative community planning sessions that prioritized public benefit.

Some residents have proposed mixing housing development with parkland to address California's affordability crisis. City officials continue gathering input as detailed plans take shape over the next few years.

The airport will continue normal operations through 2028, with existing restrictions on late-night flights remaining in place. Pilots are asked to avoid operations between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and until 8 a.m. on weekends.

When the gates close for the last time in late 2028, a new chapter opens for Santa Monica: a destination that serves both residents and visitors while preserving precious open space for generations to come.