THIS COLUMN WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN WRITER’S BLOCK IN THE AUGUST 24, 2016 EDITION OF THE CHRONOTYPE, RICE LAKE, WISCONSIN.
Embarrassingly, I’ve only recently stumbled upon the concept of placemaking–a multi-faceted approach to designing public spaces that capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential to plan, design and manage public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness and wellbeing. Traditionally, this process is used in highly urban areas, with high density populations, not necessarily rural Wisconsin.
But every local community wants safe and inviting public places, right? For both residents and visitors. And not just the business owners or politicians, but the stay-at-home and working moms and dads, the elderly, the retired, vacationers, shift and government workers, the unemployed, teenagers and kids, even pets of a community, too.
If you consider that each person knows something that you don’t, and interacts with public spaces differently than another, then doesn’t it make sense that a community coming together collectively will develop spaces that truly benefit the community, not just one or two interested parties? Utilizing everyone’s perspective to make a place better is what placemaking is all about.
In true brainstorming fashion, no idea is a bad idea. And by pooling our intellectual resources and skills, we can produce specific changes in the place we live. Instead of pitting ideas against one another, placemaking considers all, not just those with the most money or loudest voice.
How many times have I heard a complaint about Rice Lake’s downtown, or that we never use old buildings? That we don’t have enough options for retail and restaurants or public spaces for hanging out? That it is SO NICE that we’re only an hour away from Eau Claire and two from the Twin Cities? I’ve described the pros and cons of Rice Lake in that context so many times I’ve lost count over the years. And yet, did I ever feel like my voice could resonate beyond that conversation to provide solutions? Never!
For the first time in the 12 years since I moved here, I’m excited about private and public progress, even if it’s just progressive conversation. I think like many, I believed that because public spaces, are well, public, they belong to no one, and responsibility and decision-making for those spaces rests with those we elected, which it ultimately does. But the conversation about those spaces, prior to any decision or vote, and even after, really belongs to everyone. No one person owns public spaces more than anyone else.
Rice Lake is already doing so many things right. Our schools and parks are top-notch. We have community programs for all ages and highly competitive recreational sports. We have trails for biking, hiking and ATVs. A four-season backyard for outdoor enthusiasts, complete with miles of trails in any season. But what about the hearts of our city, the places that welcome the public everyday? You can see the progress beginning, just look at our library and trail systems.
And here’s the best part. When we make our communal places better, the businesses will follow, jobs are created, homes are bought, tax revenue increases, and communities thrive. It’s just how it works. And I think we can keep the momentum going.
If you have ever risked your life trying to cross Main Street, or almost hit a pedestrian with your vehicle, you might have an interest in making it safer. If you have ever struggled to find parking at a park or public building, you might have an idea of how to make it better. If you have boated or swam in Rice Lake, you might have an idea on how to make it more accessible and appealing for everyone. If you live on the streets or are unable to drive, or just prefer to walk, bike and skateboard, you might have an idea to make those options easier and safer. Resolving risks to the public’s health and well-being is a community responsibility.
With placemaking, no project is too big or small. If you have a crazy idea, say it, shout it, sketch it out, make it appear and then show it off. These ideas matter, and I don’t believe they have to be in conflict with one another at the grass roots level.
And I think most importantly, you’ll find that your voice is not alone.
Gently Rise, Softly Call 