Chickamauga officials looking forward

Danny Bivins presents the findings for the Chickamauga Renaissance Strategic Visioning and Planning Process.
Danny Bivins presents the findings for the Chickamauga Renaissance Strategic Visioning and Planning Process.

Chickamauga leaders are pleased with the results from the focus groups polled for the city's ongoing Renaissance Strategic Visioning and Planning Process.

Conducted by UGA's Carl Vinson Institute, the focus groups honed in on both problems and the perceived best elements of the city.

According to group participants in the process, the top issues for the area moving forward include activity and event coordination, infrastructure maintenance, lodging, economic development and beautification of public spaces, said Danny Bivins, a consultant for the city who performed the survey.

Positive feedback focused largely on the family-oriented nature of the city, small-town charm, historic assets, train tourism, safety and a strong school system, he added.

"My expectations have been greatly exceeded," Bivins said. " People saw Chickamauga as 'historic,' 'quaint,' 'small,' 'safe' and 'Mayberry.' [The Strategic Visioning and Planning Process] about preserving the place you love. "

Bivins said the focus group's findings talk largely about small, cosmetic improvements that could make a big difference in overall appeal.

"Lee and Gordon's Mills is a great rental facility," he said. "We talked about a vision to improve it. You put a walkway by it. You can store canoes and kayaks there and have it as an outfitter."

In the downtown historic district of Chickamauga, citizens voiced a desire for more outdoor dining in the historic district. Simple additions such as café tables on the sidewalks would help there, too, he said.

"Lights outside and lights on trees on the sidewalk can add ambiance," he added.

Additional ideas discussed to attract tourists include a "First Friday" event each month, updating the historic downtown Depot to make it a more inviting Welcome Center for the town, grow the Christmas parades and add more festivals or events.

A timeline for implementation of the suggestions from the focus group isn't yet available, however there is potential for grant funding for some projects, said City Manager Micheal Haney.

Email Katie Ward at kward@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6425.

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