As part of the Action Agenda process, the contributed ideas were compiled to guide municipalities. Municipal and community leaders used this critical feedback to identify priority action items for each of their communities, resulting in the Next Chapter Action Agenda.
Action Agenda for Millersburg
DOWNTOWN
Public Spaces and Pedestrian Connectivity
Millersburg will develop/utilize a Downtown Development plan to inform and create new economic development opportunities to stimulate town center revitalization efforts. This plan may include: a signage program downtown from Jefferson to Washington Street, gateway signage, sidewalks, lighting, public seating, bicycle racks, shading in the art alley, general property clean-up, in addition to an inventory of buildings and amenities to determine the need for additional retail and service providers.
Partnering Communities
Millersburg will begin exploratory conversations with the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce and the Middlebury Public Library to consider potential benefits and challenges for the residents and businesses in our community.
PARKS & TRAILS
Pet Friendly Places
Millersburg will explore pet friendly events, outdoor eateries, and amenities such as a dog park or areas within current parks which could include off-leash sections, dog trails, water fountains, and waste stations, in addition to resources currently offered on animal adoption and pet safety. Millersburg is committed to engaging pet owners in activities which support their social connections, physical activity and mental well-being.
Hawpath Trail Connection
Millersburg will partner with LaGrange County to prioritize The Hawpatch Trail project. This ADA compliant, non-motorized, pedestrian trail will stretch from Millersburg to Topeka and Wolcottville, providing a safe alternative for bicycle traffic, foot traffic, and support the Elkhart County trail initiatives. The connection may also provide future connections to trails such as the Pumpkivine.
Cook Station Park Youth Programming
Millersburg will explore additional programming for Cook Station Park, a premier location for recreational activities and year-round youth activities to support Millersburg and the surrounding area. Located on 33+ acres, Cook Station Park consists of two new pickle ball courts, three baseball diamonds, a nine-basket disc golf course, a youth football field, a playground.
ARTS & CULTURE
Creative Community Experiences
Millersburg will create new ways to engage residents and visitors through community experiences and maximize use of public amenities. We will research monthly food trucks, movie nights, pop-up events, a harvest festival, youth camps, and other local events.
Millersburg Historical Tour
Millersburg will begin exploratory conversations on a self-guided historical tour. We have a dynamic and rich history we would love to share with the people in and around our community. We will seek feedback from town residents, local historical groups currently providing tours, and the Indiana Historical Society on the benefits and challenges to creating a tour.
NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
Socialize Community Events
Millersburg will prioritize social media communications with our residents, including the ongoing use of our town Facebook page as the online hub for what is happening in Millersburg and surrounding area. We will also add the Elkhart County Events Calendar to/or share on all social media platforms.
VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Promote a Spirit of Volunteerism
Millersburg will create, share, and celebrate volunteer opportunities. We will help promote Elkhart County’s Acts of Service Volunteer hub and communicate the importance of giving back to the community.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES
Town and Resident Water Conservation
Millersburg will conduct a water rates consumption study and socialize the importance of water conservation. At its core, saving water saves energy and saves money for residents and the town, and more importantly gives the town greater ability to deliver critical water resources when needed most.
Implementing the Plan
This Action Agenda is a community-based plan at its core. Vibrant Communities, supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc, came together to fund and facilitate the development of the agenda for the communities of Elkhart County. Vibrant Communities will continue in its role in monitoring and supporting implementation activities.
In addition to their ongoing support, successful implementation will also depend on coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations representing the public, private, and civic sectors across the communities, including:
ORGANIZATIONS
Local organizations have been tasked with a great deal of responsibility in the Action Agenda implementation plan. Through new partnerships and strategic investments of time and resources, these organizations can help implement actions and expand the reach of their network.
PRIVATE BUSINESSES
The Action Agenda reveals a lot about the preferences of Elkhart County. The business community would do well in taking advantage of these preferences through strategic investments. Entrepreneurs may find niche opportunities within the recommendations.
INSTITUTIONS
Through their leadership and resources, local and regional institutions can play a key role in implementation. Their support will help to intensify the impact of each action and forge new relationships with other leaders and organizations.
With the power to shape policy, direct community resources, and represent the public, elected officials have an important role in implementation. The action items show clear evidence of thoughtful and inclusive conversations with the community – one leaders can stand behind with confidence.
