Webster Mainstreet Committee Looks To The Future
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
NORTH WEBSTER - The North Webster Mainstreet Committee, sponsored by the Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, met Thursday to discuss projects for 2001.
Approximately 35 people met in the community building to discuss topics ranging from visions and values to change and results.
Dennis Wagoner, the committee co-chairman, opened the meeting by reminding the group that it was about one year ago Ball State University conducted a study to help North Webster define improvements.
Wagoner listed last year's improvements. These include renovations to a few merchants' buildings, new business openings, installation of awnings, flower pots and benches in the downtown area, a Farmer's Market and additional street lights.
Grant applications have been made for a feasibility study for future use of the North Webster Elementary School when the new school opens in 2002, sidewalks, greenways and a pier improvement at the park.
A portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing how the town has changed since 1950.
Don Allen led the discussion. Committee members talked about the days when the Mermaid Festival and parade were much bigger and thousands of people attended the event.
One man remembered that one year the "largest man in America" was the main attraction and that he weighed over 1,000 pounds. Several celebrities visited the town in those days, including O.J. Simpson.
In those days the town was alive with energy in the summer, able to boast of about two drive-in eateries, a theater, two miniature golf courses, the Dixie Queen and a go-cart track. It had its own high school.
Today the town offers several family-oriented facilities and activities including the ball park, tennis courts, Adventureland Amusement Park, the golf driving range, a town park with ski shows on Webster Lake, "Music in the Park" entertainment during the summer and several restaurants.
The Dixie Queen still offers cruises on Webster Lake. Allen challenged the town to think about change in a positive way and to seek ways to accomplish goals.
A chamber update was provided, including information about the soon-to-be-released 2001 brochure, next week's annual banquet and plans to add a part-time volunteer director.
Dan Thystrup gave an update on the town's new Web site: www.north webster.com
Participants also discussed upcoming plans in each of four areas targeted for improvement.
Bob Murphy, of R.P. Murphy and Associates, gave an update on his grant-writing efforts for the town's current projects. Those project include the use of the old school building once it is vacated. Kay Andrews and Jon Sroufe said when the feasibility study is complete their committee will ask the community for input regarding uses for the old elementary school.
The group plans to visit nearby Indiana towns, such as Ashley and Nappanee, where school buildings have been successfully renovated.
Carole Gilbert, of the parks subcommittee, discussed the group's plans to apply for grant monies to add a greenway/bike trail in several phases that would eventually extend around the lake.
They also will encourage local merchants to add bicycle racks at several locations in town.
Larry Kinsey said the lakefront enhancement team is working on pier improvements and additions in conjunction with the town council and plan to put up signs outside and within the town limits to direct visitors to the lakefront and other attractions
Judy Wagner said the beautification subcommittee is working on plans for a central park downtown that could include a gazebo and fountain.
They also are pursuing more awnings, flowers and an expanded Farmer's Market.
Subcommittees will continue to meet regularly. The entire Mainstreet Committee will meet again in March with representatives from Ball State University.
Anyone interested in learning more about the ongoing efforts in North Webster, or interested in joining a committee, should contact Dennis Wagoner at 453-4566. [[In-content Ad]]
NORTH WEBSTER - The North Webster Mainstreet Committee, sponsored by the Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, met Thursday to discuss projects for 2001.
Approximately 35 people met in the community building to discuss topics ranging from visions and values to change and results.
Dennis Wagoner, the committee co-chairman, opened the meeting by reminding the group that it was about one year ago Ball State University conducted a study to help North Webster define improvements.
Wagoner listed last year's improvements. These include renovations to a few merchants' buildings, new business openings, installation of awnings, flower pots and benches in the downtown area, a Farmer's Market and additional street lights.
Grant applications have been made for a feasibility study for future use of the North Webster Elementary School when the new school opens in 2002, sidewalks, greenways and a pier improvement at the park.
A portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing how the town has changed since 1950.
Don Allen led the discussion. Committee members talked about the days when the Mermaid Festival and parade were much bigger and thousands of people attended the event.
One man remembered that one year the "largest man in America" was the main attraction and that he weighed over 1,000 pounds. Several celebrities visited the town in those days, including O.J. Simpson.
In those days the town was alive with energy in the summer, able to boast of about two drive-in eateries, a theater, two miniature golf courses, the Dixie Queen and a go-cart track. It had its own high school.
Today the town offers several family-oriented facilities and activities including the ball park, tennis courts, Adventureland Amusement Park, the golf driving range, a town park with ski shows on Webster Lake, "Music in the Park" entertainment during the summer and several restaurants.
The Dixie Queen still offers cruises on Webster Lake. Allen challenged the town to think about change in a positive way and to seek ways to accomplish goals.
A chamber update was provided, including information about the soon-to-be-released 2001 brochure, next week's annual banquet and plans to add a part-time volunteer director.
Dan Thystrup gave an update on the town's new Web site: www.north webster.com
Participants also discussed upcoming plans in each of four areas targeted for improvement.
Bob Murphy, of R.P. Murphy and Associates, gave an update on his grant-writing efforts for the town's current projects. Those project include the use of the old school building once it is vacated. Kay Andrews and Jon Sroufe said when the feasibility study is complete their committee will ask the community for input regarding uses for the old elementary school.
The group plans to visit nearby Indiana towns, such as Ashley and Nappanee, where school buildings have been successfully renovated.
Carole Gilbert, of the parks subcommittee, discussed the group's plans to apply for grant monies to add a greenway/bike trail in several phases that would eventually extend around the lake.
They also will encourage local merchants to add bicycle racks at several locations in town.
Larry Kinsey said the lakefront enhancement team is working on pier improvements and additions in conjunction with the town council and plan to put up signs outside and within the town limits to direct visitors to the lakefront and other attractions
Judy Wagner said the beautification subcommittee is working on plans for a central park downtown that could include a gazebo and fountain.
They also are pursuing more awnings, flowers and an expanded Farmer's Market.
Subcommittees will continue to meet regularly. The entire Mainstreet Committee will meet again in March with representatives from Ball State University.
Anyone interested in learning more about the ongoing efforts in North Webster, or interested in joining a committee, should contact Dennis Wagoner at 453-4566. [[In-content Ad]]