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Buena Vista was recently selected for participation in a national program promoting outdoor recreation as an economic development pursuit. Implementation begins next month when a planning assistance team comes to town to hold community workshops for local residents and stakeholders.
The workshops will be held April 4 and 5 at the Buena page 4 Vista firehouse, 2010 Sycamore Ave. The program, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the USDA Forest Service and the Appalachian Regional Commission, will help Buena Vista develop an action plan to revitalize its community through outdoor recreation.
The focus will be on growing the outdoor recreation economy, revitalizing downtown, creating opportunities for physical activity and health and providing stewardship of the region’s natural resources. The public is invited to attend to share their knowledge of the local area and ideas for the future.
Among other topics, the workshop will focus on four goals developed by the local steering committee:
• Enlivening downtown: Engage business and property owners downtown to rally around outdoor recreation as an economic driver and draw new businesses to support community needs for the outdoor recreation economy, and make Buena Vista a desirable place to visit and live.
• Improving infrastructure: Make improvements to outdoor recreation, critical tourism, and connectivity infrastructure in Buena Vista to better serve residents and visitors. Create a comprehensive master plan for Glen Maury Park and/or overall parks and recreation in the city to make improvements and connections to other outdoor assets in the region.
• Marketing, branding and promotion: Consider how you want to position and promote Buena Vista’s best assets (natural, cultural, recreation) and promote this identity as a destination and gateway community to both locals and visitors.
• Expand outdoor recreation activities and education offerings: Envision and plan for what would be needed to expand both local and visitor experiences around outdoor recreation, allowing people of all ages, races and abilities to enjoy the outdoors and support the economy.
The workshop commences Tuesday, April 4, with a community meeting that will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. There will also be a coloring table for children during the event to allow parents to participate.
On Wednesday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., an action planning work session will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch orders from a local restaurant will be taken. Participants can purchase a lunch or pack their own.
The event is free and open to all, but registration is requested at https://bit.ly/3Ai3c1U.
