Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Ocala CRA discusses Heritage Trail lighting, landscaping and outreach to local schools
Summary
Staff reported plans to add trees and lighting along the Heritage Trail and discussed partnering with schools and cultural arts to promote trail use and community programming.
City staff and advisory board members discussed finalizing elements of the Heritage Trail and ways to increase public awareness and visitation.
Staff said two final items remain for the trail: additional trees and lighting to illuminate public art and facilities at night. Board members raised concerns about blight on adjacent parcels along Ninth Avenue and asked about options the city could pursue to improve appearance and access.
Committee members proposed outreach ideas to draw residents and schoolchildren to the trail, including coordinated field trips, a ribbon program for schools, pop‑up events with local vendors, and partnerships with the cultural arts division. One board member suggested connecting with Madison Street Basic Plus and other nearby schools so students could serve as ambassadors to the trail.
Casey Griffith, director of government and community relations (mentioned by staff as a contact for a historical presentation), was cited as a staff point of contact to develop a school‑focused historical program. Staff said funds for expanded public outreach and education will be available in October and that the city’s cultural arts division already runs programming that could support Heritage Trail events.
Board members asked staff to explore partnerships to address adjacent property maintenance and to bring outreach plans back to a future meeting for review.
