The Thriving Communities program is challenging changemakers in LaFayette, Georgia, to dream big, and locals are envisioning more walkability, more public art and more star power for the city as a result.
The desire for enhancement and revitalization was in full gear last month, when representatives from Thrive Regional Partnership met with residents to help them identify the city's cultural assets and brainstorm ways to make LaFayette a more attractive option for visitors and citizens alike.
Among the list of ideas were suggestions such as adding more sculptures and murals to the downtown area, and adding a dance, recording or pottery studio to the city's arts district. Also on the list was creating outdoor spaces for live music events, farmers markets and movies, in addition to cultivating interesting attractions, such as a microbrewery or boutique hotel.
Some also suggested the city invest in cultivating unique spaces that would make LaFayette an area of interest for filmmakers, who are already flocking to Georgia as a result of the state's generous tax incentives.
One of the most consistent themes throughout the myriad of suggestions was walkability, said Julie Carter, a local resident and community coordinator for the initiative.
"They just want to really connect everything," Carter said. "Sometimes we can feel like our spaces are divided here, but they really wanted to feel more connected to each of the assets we have here."
Some of the suggestions regarding greenway connectibility and sidewalks coincide with wish list items that are already part of the city's strategic plan, said Carter, though the feedback indicated that some citizens are just as interested in the aesthetic and recreational value of these options as they are with the practical applications.
For instance, the Mars Theatre district is a short walk away from the town square area. Some residents revealed a desire to make the few blocks connecting the two areas feel less divided and more inviting so that more folks are willing to walk the distance, Carter said.
Attendees also floated the prospect of creating edible landscapes by cultivating pollinator gardens within walkable spaces.
Though Carter stressed that the ideas are just dreams for now, she also pointed out that the Honeybee Festival, which drew more than 30,000 people to the city last year, was little more than a dream five years ago.
"I think we're in a cool time right now," Carter said. "You look at the Honeybee Festival. It was a great example of us dreaming big and aiming high and really nailing it."
By the end of the 10-week training program, the community will be eligible to apply for a $20,000 grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation, enabling it to carry out culture and arts projects that will benefit both residents and visitors, if awarded.
"I don't think you can put a dollar value on that, because from the other programs like Rossville or Dalton, they were able to use that vision and really take it to a whole other level."
Rossville was selected during the first round of the initiative in 2016 and used the training and $20,000 in funding to improve the city park in the area where the historic John Ross House sits. Dalton used the opportunity to create a permanent outdoor performing arts space.
Carter said she hopes to see LaFayette emerge with a solid community vision highlighting a series of projects. For now, LaFayette residents can play a role in the city's brainstorming effort by filling out the first survey online at tinyurl.com/ThriveLaFayetteSurvey1.
"I've just seen so much energy from people who are excited to give their ideas. They want this to be a place where their children can grow up but they don't go to Chattanooga," Carter said. "The more voices we get in the room and the more doers we get in the room, it will feel easy to do a lot of these projects."
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com