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Friday, May 12, 2006 - Every charrette contains something unexpected. Some aspect of the local community, or the events that unfold, that comes as a bit of a surprise - contrary, perhaps, to expectations or conventional wisdom. In the case of Early County 2055, it's the degree to which people have used the internet, and this website, to further provide ideas, direction and enthusiasm.
Beginning Wednesday morning, when the first rough executions were posted and the "Make Yourself Heard" response mechanism was activated, it quickly became apparent that county residents, as well as others who grew up here but now live elsewhere, were following the coverage and eager to contribute.
"I love the wider sidewalks and the arcade," wrote Betty Sutton. "It makes the town look so much more inviting to shop, dine, just visit."
Ultimately, the submissions - many of which were lengthy and filled with remarkably good ideas - have further reinforced for the team just how committed and caring this community really is. They've become a real inspiration that today, with its landowners meeting and constant work at the drawing boards, helps keep the team motivated.
Read them for yourself:
"I grew up in Blakely, and now live an hour away in Albany. My parents and siblings still in Early County so I visit there several times during the year. My thoughts reflect not only my memories of Blakely but also my current role in an organization dedicating to building community.
What I like:
The traditional courthouse square design. I spent many a night riding around this square. The cheerleaders painted signs on store windows during football season.
One high school that everyone can rally behind - all must understand the value of a strong public school system and the need to support it (the community needs to think about self-fulfilling prophesy when it comes to education).
Green. When I think of the color of Early County I think of green.
What I don't like:
Deserted shopping centers - Sawyers is a shame. The vegetable stand was a good idea.
No decent community swimming pool. Too many generations are growing up without knowing how to swim.
What EC needs:
A quality signature event which will act as a introduction to the county for visitors. Sidewalks in neighborhoods. A completed arts center. Comprehensive promotion plan including coordination with adjoining counties. A driving tour brochure of the county. Outdoor adventure center. Improved gateways into county and Blakely. Combined residential and commercial developments where people could walk to shop and go to doctor."
-- Anna Lee O'Neil
"All of the ideas I have heard so far have been great and I would love to see them implemented. I do have a few to add. A playground for children was mentioned which is desperately needed. What would be a neat extension to that would be a water park. Not a water park with rides and a lazy river. But a park with water coming out of the ground that small children can run through to cool off in the summer heat. I have seen something like this at Centennial Park and outside the aquarium in Chattanooga, TN.
I would also love to see a sort of Performing Arts Center that has its own auditorium, a ballroom, classrooms for music, art, drama sessions, and an industrial size kitchen. So far in this town, there have been issues in using the high school auditorium for anything other than school related issues. For wedding receptions, reunions, etc., people currently utilize the country club which is costly and severely outdated. This performing arts center would solve this. My father started the choral program at the schools here in 1977 and inspired a lot of young people to use the talent God gave them. He passed away in 1991 and one of his dreams for Blakely was something similar to this. The ballroom could be used for receptions, private parties, or even formal community events. The auditorium could host recitals, plays, etc. Financially, I feel that the classes should be income based so all children and adults can afford to be involved. As for the ballroom for private parties and receptions there definitely needs to be a base charge and work from there. This town lacks on culture and there are a lot of children who need exposure and encouragement to reach their potential.
A YMCA or something similar would be a nice addition to the recreation facilities already in progress. YMCA hosts summer day camps for children where they can take swimming lessons and go on field trips. With a heated pool, older adults can take water aerobics. YMCA can also have general aerobics classes, etc. The YMCA in Bainbridge has a nice bowling alley and I know that there has been a lot of interest in having bowling here. I would also like to see the YMCA or something similar offer support groups and classes such as the following:
- Parenting classes
- Lamaz classes
- First aid/ Home safety
- and the following support groups:
Teenage Mothers
Parents who have lost a child
Cancer victims and their families
NA/AA"
-- Laura Smith
"I would like to see canopy designs that allow for individual expression of each front on the square while having a thread of consistency, maybe a light standard or support rhythm, planting brackets, mainly avoiding the Urban Renewal canopy designs of the 1970's that is very common here."
-- Jon Carn
"I am a property owner in Early County. Your concept and ideas on transportation issues is very interesting. May I suggest in your planning of a Parkway, incorporate areas for horse and buggy trails. In trying to maintain the rural heritage of our community, I think this would add some mystique and wonder. Just a thought, and kudos to all of your efforts in this planning and implementation of 2055. Only wish I was in town to contribute."
-- Billy Cannon
"Thank you for taking the time during the middle of your frantic week to present your ideas and ask for input. Living here, we tend to look for the little things that can be changed as we go, rather than the big ideas and the long-term issues. Your perspective is enlightening.
I particularly liked the piazzetta on the square and the green line to the bypass. They gave focus to the town and provided a proper entry from our most traveled highway.
The ideas for Hilton were surprising but reasonable after they settled in your thoughts. The project works both in the location to our present assets and as a possible suburb for Dothan.
One element that might be considered for that same type of resort/retirement environment is an RV village. Over the years of owning motorhomes, we have met many couples who buy into well designed and full featured parks in Florida to stay with their friends and neighbors during the winter and then travel the other six months of the year. The parks are generally geared to motorhomes only and marketed to retirees who are comfortable spending $200,000 and up for an RV. They don't require a lot of public services and are great taxpayers."
-- David Moseley
"1. Incorporation of a paved running/walking/biking path into the proposed Birdsong Park, possibly surround the perimeter of the park. Currently there is nowhere to rollerblade, run, bike, or walk for exercise safely. A path surrounding the park would allow parents to have an area to exercise while the children could play on equipment. This could be used as a marketing tool to bring people in. I myself have driven down to a well known bike path in Sandestin, FL, just because it was there. When I did that, I spent money in the area on food and gas.
2. My 15 yr. old daughter suggested starting a 2055 Club at the high school. Their sole focus would be adopting 2055 Community Projects and Fundraisers.
I'm very interested in being an active member in this project. I will be stopping by tomorrow to pick up some cards to distribute to other "thirty-somethings" and to encourage them to attend Sunday's meeting."
-- Karen LaBorde
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 Watch the plans
come together.
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Architecture
