Though it’s not as big or busy as LAX, SFO, or SAN, this small corner of the city is home to one of the oldest airports in both California and the U.S. Very soon, it will shut down for good to make way for a massive public park, as reported by SF Gate.
The historic Santa Monica Airport (SMO) will officially close on December 31, 2028, after 107 years of operation. A recent grant of nearly $500,000 from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District will help the city plan and design the first acres of green space, Santa Monica Next reports.
What the future park might look like
When SMO permanently closes, the 192-acre site will transform into a major new public space. This transformation is legally protected by Measure LC, which prohibits any development on the land other than for parks, recreation, or open spaces.
The current vision, led by the design firm Sasaki, features open lawns, immersive nature areas, and community gathering spots. Building on earlier expansion work by the firm RIOS, the new master plan integrates the historic runways into the design, repurposing them as expansive paths for walking, jogging, and cycling.
A century of aviation history in the Golden State
SMO opened in 1923 and is now one of the oldest continuously operating airports in America, second only to Long Beach Airport. It mostly served small private planes and flight schools, though it never hosted commercial airlines. For decades, it was a hub for general aviation and a local landmark.
Despite its impressive history, the airport has been divisive for locals. Neighbors and city officials debated closing it for about 50 years, citing noise, pollution, and safety concerns. A 2014 ballot measure and a 2017 agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration finally set the closure date for December 2028.