Placemaking presentation open to community

The Manchester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) invites you to attend a public meeting/presentation on “Placemaking,” which will be held Wednesday evening, May 16, 7:30 pm in the Village Room, Manchester Village Offices.

Join the DDA, the Chamber of Commerce, the Manchester Area Historical Society, and other community organizations for an inspiring presentation by Gil White, Placemaking Consultant for the Michigan Realtors. What exactly is “placemaking,” and what makes a great place? Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces, that capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential. Its intention is to create public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well being. Placemaking inspires people to collectively re-imagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of a community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share,  placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize its shared value.

White will explain these terms, while providing examples and concepts that are designed to change the way we think about public space in our downtown, and help begin applying these techniques here in Manchester.

“This is a chance to learn what’s worked in other communities, and how to start or join placemaking projects here in Manchester,” said Ray Berg, DDA member. “It’s all about using the resources right in our community. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be good!”

White’s presentation will also show how “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” tactics can give us insight on what’s effective, needed, or possible in our village.

Here’s a Facebook invite link for additional info: https://www.facebook.com/events/168907283824729/

We hope to see you there!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.