The Santa Monica Airport, a historic aviation site in California, is slated to close permanently on December 31, 2028, paving the way for an ambitious transformation of the 227-acre area into public parks and recreational spaces. This decision follows decades of community activism aimed at shutting down the airport, which no longer serves commercial flights and primarily accommodates small, privately-owned aircraft.
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The announcement comes on the back of a significant financial boost for the revitalisation project. Last week, Santa Monica officials revealed that they had secured a grant of $499,149 from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. This funding will assist in the initial planning and design phases for the first 20 acres of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project.
Having been operational since 1919, the airport—originally named Clover Field—was acquired by the city three years later and was later renamed Santa Monica Airport in recognition of its local significance. It played a role in the community’s development during the housing boom of the 1920s, with residential areas springing up around it soon after. However, as time progressed, local concerns began to mount regarding the noise, safety, and environmental impacts associated with the airport’s operations, particularly in the late 20th century.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the airport was the centre of controversy as residents reported adverse health effects linked to proximity to the facility. By the 1990s, tensions escalated significantly, leading to legal action by Los Angeles residents against Santa Monica, alleging harmful impacts from the airport’s activities. In response to growing public pressure, residents voted in 2014 to restrict future developments on airport land, except for parks and open spaces.
A landmark agreement reached in 2017 with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) settled the future of the airport by establishing its closure at the end of 2028. Since then, the city has made strides toward envisioning a new, green future for the site. In January 2025, Santa Monica’s City Council approved five core principles to guide the transformation project: starting with nature, inspiring wonder, balancing economic activities, amplifying versatility, and celebrating the local identity of the area.
After extensive community engagement, including 87 public meetings, 20 small-group discussions, and over 12,000 online survey responses, Santa Monica has drafted an initial Framework Diagram. This proposal seeks to subdivide the entire area into eight distinct yet interconnected districts, each offering a unique character and set of uses. The designated districts will include areas focused on nature, sports, arts and culture, as well as open meadows.
Local residents are actively encouraged to participate in shaping the project further. An online survey remains open until April 26, allowing the community to provide input on the proposed framework and help refine the plans for the site.
The long-awaited closure of the Santa Monica Airport suggests a major shift towards prioritising community needs and well-being over aviation interests. As the city gears up for its sustainable transformation, stakeholders are keen to ensure that the new developments reflect the aspirations of the local populace for recreational and cultural spaces that foster connection with nature and enhance the quality of life.
By reimagining what has been a contentious space for many years, Santa Monica aims to cultivate a public resource that aligns with the evolving needs of its residents, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more vibrant community. The efforts to reclaim the land highlight the power of collective community action and the city’s commitment to preserving green spaces in an increasingly urbanised environment.