Listening, Learning and Celebrating Downtown at Columbus Days

BID Connects with the Community in Frankfort Square

Columbus Days provided the perfect opportunity for the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) to spend some time visiting with the community, sharing information about the district and most importantly listening.

The BID hosted a booth in Frankfort Square during the celebration giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the work being done throughout Downtown Columbus while sharing their own thoughts about the district.

Visitors were asked a simple question: What do you love about Downtown Columbus? They were also encouraged to tell us what they would like to see improved.

And they certainly gave us plenty to think about!

So Much to Love About Downtown

One of the most rewarding parts of the weekend was seeing just how many different things people appreciate about Downtown Columbus.

The beautiful flower planters received plenty of attention, with one visitor commenting the flowers "brighten up the downtown area." Others mentioned the decorations, permanent lighting in Frankfort Square, sculptures and murals, historic buildings, restaurants, locally owned businesses, the Farmers Market, community events and the overall improvements taking place throughout downtown.

We even heard appreciation for the "small downtown feel" that makes the area special.

Several comments reflected something we've been working toward for years -- people are noticing the changes. Visitors commented on the growth they've seen downtown over the past few years and the many improvements that continue to make the district a more inviting place to shop, dine, explore and experience.

Your Ideas Matter, Too

We love hearing what people enjoy about Downtown Columbus, but it's just as important we hear about the thinks they believe could be better.

That's one of the reasons the BID wanted to be part of Columbus Days. We want to meet people where they are, listen to their experiences and give them an opportunity to tell us what they would like to see in their downtown.

Visitors shared ideas ranging from more restaurants and shopping opportunities to longer retail hours, activities for teens, additional green space and shade, improved parking more outdoor seating, additional lighting and greater participation in downtown events.

Some of those ideas may fall with the work of the BID, while others may involve businesses, property owners, the City or other community partners. But that doesn't make the feedback any less valuable. Listening is an important part of building a stronger downtown.

We may not be able to act on every suggestions, but we can listen, look for opportunities, share ideas with the right partners and use what we hear to help guide future conversations and improvements.

Downtown belongs to the entire community and we want the people who use it to have a voice in where it goes next.

A Big Thank You to Mel Jensen

We also want to give a very special thank you to BID Board Member Mel Jensen, who manned the booth and spent the day talking with visitors, answering questions, encouraging people to participate and sharing her enthusiasm for Downtown Columbus.

Anyone who knows Mel knows the energy she brings wherever she goes and that was certainly on display during Columbus Days! Her enthusiasm, positive attitude and genuine passion for downtown make her a tremendous asset to the Business Improvement District.

And the Winners Are....

Everyone who shared something they loved about downtown or an idea for something they'd like to see improved could enter their name into a drawing for one of two special planters.

The planters were made by Wade Hilker and offered a sneak peek at the flowers and colors you'll soon see in the downtown planters for the fall season.

Congratulations to our two winners:

• Peg Olmer
• Jane Zach

We hope you enjoy your planters!

Thank You, Columbus

Most of all, thank you to everyone who stopped by the BID booth during Columbus Days.

Whether you told us how much you love the flowers, public art, local businesses and events or offered an idea for something you'd like to see downtown in the future, we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

The Downtown Business Improvement District continues to work toward making the Trackside District a place our community can be proud of and hearing directly from the people who use and enjoy downtown helps guide that work.

There is a lot to love about Downtown Columbus and there is always room to keep making it better.