The Vibrant Communities initiative’s efforts to transform Elkhart County is winning statewide recognition.
On Thursday, March 1, 2018, some of the key organizers of Vibrant Communities will accept an award at the Hoosier Planning Awards. The award for Outstanding Communication & Outreach is being presented by the Indiana chapter of the American Planning Association.
“Winning this award is a testament to the spirit and love of community in all Elkhart County residents,” said Suzie Weirick, a co-chair of Vibrant Communities’ steering committee along with Arvis Dawson. “People who care about quality of place have united around the idea that by working together, we can achieve great things for our communities.”
According to the Hoosier Planning Award guidelines, the award being presented to Vibrant Communities “honors an individual, project, or program that uses information and education about the value of planning to create greater awareness among citizens or specific segments of the public. The award celebrates how planning improves a community’s quality of life.”
Vibrant Communities launched in January 2016. In a series of public meetings drawing residents from all walks of life from every part of Elkhart County, more than 1,000 residents offered suggestions for what were top priority projects and ideas that support livability, aesthetics, and arts and culture.
The feedback was summarized in a 77-item Action Agenda that is in the process of being implemented. The steering committee consisting of leaders from the private, public and non-profit sectors continues to be active and has attracted even more residents into the process. To find out more, including how you can be involved, go to www.vibrantelkhartcounty.org.
The ideas championed by Vibrant Communities have inspired residents to develop arts and cultural programs such as arts councils in multiple communities, the Elkhart County Food Council and new community festivals and events. It has also helped build public support for additional bicycling/walking trails and major projects such as the aquatics center in Elkhart, parks development in Nappanee, and a multi-use pavilion in Goshen.
Among the biggest initial successes of Vibrant Communities has been the launch of the Little BIG Ideas Grant. The program supports fun, quirky and creative ideas that come from residents. So far, 21 people or groups have received grants, starting everything from the Middlebury Pumpkin Race to the Heroes of Hope positive messages campaign at Concord High School to Canvas & Kool-Aid in Elkhart.
Vibrant Communities is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
