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 Wakarusa
DOWNTOWN
Public Spaces
Wakarusa will support an active and growing downtown. We will encourage mixed-use and infill development to support our existing retailer footprint while also identifying streetscape measures to promote a walkable community. This may include safety, aesthetics, amenities, and ADA accessibility needs. We will continue to explore ways to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety of the town center four-way, which supports our special projects like the popular Pumpkin Tree.
Wayfinding
Wakarusa will inventory town wayfinding signage and identify gaps/replacement needs. We will design and construct attractive “gateways” at prominent entry points which may include landscaping, benches, public art, informational kiosks, and small parking lots. We will also create a Wakarusa wayfinding system (maps, QR codes, signs, kiosks) to be accessible on the Town’s website, social media pages, and at targeted areas such as parks, trails, downtown, and other public amenities.
Industrial Drive
Wakarusa will work with Industrial Drive businesses to plan and implement a Wakarusa Beautification Plan which supports the towns standards, brand, and character.
Downtown Activation
Wakarusa will regularly evaluate communication initiatives to provide residents ways to get plugged-in to “what is happening” in our town. We will use social media outlets and encourage local groups to synchronize calendars for events. We will promote celebrations and offer incentives for vendor participation in events which build community pride, increase tourism, and promote local businesses. We will use the town’s style guide to maintain a consistent brand across all media.
PARKS & TRAILS
Parks and Recreation
Wakarusa will activate park spaces, improve infrastructure, and create a Park Board to increase citizen participation in managing our parks and outdoor amenities. We will explore efforts to revitalize aging playground equipment in Downtown Park, including potential ADA play equipment. We will explore ways to support our underserved areas and coordinate activation of recreational spaces.
Wa-Nee Visionary Trail Project and Downtown Trail Connections
Wakarusa will work in collaboration with the City of Nappanee to develop a pedestrian safe trail linking these close communities. The connection would be beneficial for each community and could help link these two communities to the larger trail network growing throughout the county. Wakarusa will also explore ways to build off of the trail network. This will include ways to activate pedestrian connectivity from the trail through the downtown and to adjacent amenities.
ARTS & CULTURE
Partnership with Nappanee Arts Council
Wakarusa will explore additional partnership opportunities with the Nappanee Arts Council. This may include housing/showcasing additional art structures on loan from Nappanee to help support visitor and resident engagement downtown. We will continue to partner with them on Teen Arts Programming and identify new ways to engage our residents. We will identify local champions to help us design/create a public art program in partnership with the Nappanee Arts Council to support more vibrant spaces in our town.
Lifelong Learning
Wakarusa will support and promote youth programming. We will partner with our local library and schools to ensure residents of all ages have access to an abundance of arts and culture educational resources and programming to promote a community of lifetime learning.
NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
Neighborhood Improvements
Wakarusa will explore new, affordable, and diversified housing options. We will research and develop homebuyer subsidy homebuyer programs and incentives for housing developers to construct denser residential units in targeted infill and redevelopment areas. We will encourage residential housing development west of town and business development east of town in keeping with the town’s comprehensive plan. Developers will be encouraged to incorporate bicycle, green spaces, and pedestrian facilities and include connections between adjacent communities / amenities are included within the site design.
Neighborhood Engagement
Wakarusa will create a quarterly “Welcome to Wakarusa” program designed to welcome new residents (and old) and introduce them to the town, its services, and amenities. As part of the program the town will consider a diversity, equity, and inclusion analysis focused on language barriers for new residents. We will also coordinate ways to foster local champions and increase leadership capacity in the community.
VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Promote a Spirit of Volunteerism
Wakarusa 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
Recycling and Composting
Wakarusa will partner with Borden Waste Away and our local schools to support recycling awareness and services. We will provide educational workshops and informational resources to families and look for ways to provide residents ongoing recycling and composting services.
Water and Sewer
Wakarusa will upgrade water and sewer systems to support our growth. This includes decommissioning old wells, adding new water mains, and upgrading lift stations.
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.
