Pathways workshop set for May

Electric City is hosting a community workshop, led by Washington State University’s Rural Communities Design Initiative.

The meeting, one of two being planned, will run from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, May 14, in the Veterans Center in Electric City. The second such meeting date hasn’t yet been set.

The focus of the workshop will be parks, recreation and revitalization. The meeting is prompted by Electric City’s trail and pathways project, and needs in other park-like areas.

Guiding the WSU team, made up of professors Kathleen Ryan and Bob Krikac, will be the recent community survey made by city officials.

A letter has been sent out from the city to local Electric City businesses, stating: “It is very important for businesses to attend this workshop; developing activities and places for visitors to go will attract more tourists, encourage them to stay for longer periods of time, and ultimately foster growth for your business.”

WSU will be taking all of the ideas expressed at the meeting and formulate a visual concept for the city to use in its master plan.

This could include such things as crosswalks, sidewalks, parking, and informative signage.

City hall is asking those who attend to think about how Parks, Recreation and Revitalization will enhance the community and be good for businesses.

The letter went out to 29 Electric City businesses.

The workshop is also open to local residents, who are asked to share their views with the WSU workshop group. A number of students who are in the design school at WSU will be on hand also.

The community meeting was spurred by the city’s idea of developing a trail through the community.

A trail development could include barbecue pits, a water play pad, a cover for special events, bicycle lanes, interpretive kiosks and wildlife viewing areas.

The city has already pledged $40,000 from its hotel/motel tourism fund to support the WSU aid and to cover the cost of a finished plan.

And the city has already voted $400,000 from its hotel/motel fund to help with the completion of phase one of the trail, to go from Coulee Playland to North Dam Park.