As I write this, several thoughts occur to me — at least a few more than usual. And all related to the park project which, I’m very proud to say, just keeps picking up steam. A developer’s agreement has been signed with the city of Monroe. Bids will be reviewed and accepted by the city in the coming weeks so that the project can start which is the main question people ask! But I’m also thinking about the actual spot itself. Not specs, not the money that has been raised, or what still needs to be raised, but the space and the future of it being a place.
In community development, there are dozens of words to describe place and the dimensions of place: community place-knowing, community place-keeping, community placemaking, tactical placemaking, community design, community planning, urban design, etc....all defined to capture specifics as it relates to the human experience in a space. Oftentimes, they become buzzwords, coined in academic circles and reflecting movements and generational shifts. But I also think that there are so many because we are trying to define something that is not easily defined. None quite captures it, the authenticity of place.
What the northeast corner of the square has been for me is nothing more than an unused greenspace. Until recently, it never occurred to me that there had been buildings on that corner. I have heard from several about that space when it was a place. A place where Community Bank would hand out popcorn and gave the option of milk and chocolate milk when celebrating Dairy month. A place where “Mom” had a beauty salon upstairs where Mayor Donna Douglas first worked after finishing school of cosmetology. And a place where a bakery existed.
The more I have heard, the more I have felt a connection to the space on the northeast corner of the square because it was a place where much happened. Another coined phrase: Social Capital of Place. Connections between people within and tied to place. And like all of the downtown, there is much of it.
How exactly people will come together to discover and express the characteristics of the park will depend on you. Perhaps it will be used in small groups (just you and your spouse) or large groups within the community and weekend visitors. There is a daily cycle, weekday vs. weekend cycles, seasonal and annual, and even the life cycle of the people. But we are making sure that aside from the restrooms, which are a critical need in the community, there will be options allowing for choice, including programming. Access will be inclusive with reduced physical (ADA) and social barriers.
The precursor to Main Street was the Business Improvement District. A former board member is donating $1,000 as part of our “100 Families who Love Monroe” special donor category. (She and everyone making $1,000 donations will be recognized on a separate donor plaque) She served from 1988 through 2018 on the BID board and was active on our Design Committee. She told me that in all those decades the park with public restrooms was “always our greatest wish.” Now, we are close to returning it to a place with an emphasis on authenticity.
And I am elated to discover with all of you who will visit and use it what gives the space meaning, personality, and connections to Monroe for generations to come.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.
