FAIRFIELD — It was the “wow” factor that put Fairfield in the winning category as a Great Places designation Friday as the community’s second bid to become one of Iowa’s Great Places was the charm.
Within hours of the announcement, community movers and shakers were already getting poised and ready to take full advantage of the funds, grants and expertise soon to pour in from various state agencies.
David DuBois, one of many who put together the application effort in Fairfield, was in Des Moines Friday morning when the Great Places board announced the six winning cities.
“They said we made a fantastic presentation Wednesday and the wow factor was so evident in our community that they felt that that attitude would benefit not only our community, but the state at large as well,” said DuBois.
He said the board “really loved that we focused on what was unique about Fairfield and that our great diversity was very important to them.”
DuBois said community projects like the new radio station KRUU-FM was a perfect example of taking an idea that wasn’t on anyone’s radar six months ago, “but only a gleam in someone’s eye and making it a sudden operating reality.”
Calling them “creative, spontaneous eruptions,” Dubois said efforts like KRUU radio showed the commission that the “entrepreneurial vitality of the community was real and viable,” and “this community is fertile ground for these eruptions to occur at anytime.
“The commission really liked the radio station and we talked about it in terms of it being a real opportunity to engage the youth of our community,” he said.
“You just don’t know when something is going to explode on the scene and take root like that. It’s a perfect example of what the commission wanted to see in terms of a spontaneous eruption of creativity,” he said.
DuBois said the commission was also impressed by the sustainable community eco-village, the Jefferson County trail system as well as the arts and culture.
“They liked it because it makes Fairfield stand out as an example of the cultural tourism plans they want to promote as part of their overall economic development of the state,” said DuBois.
Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy said, “I think the real reward for Fairfield is the recognition that we are one of Iowa’s outstanding communities and it’s something we should all be happy about and share.
“It just goes to show,” said Malloy, “that the train of optimism is a real entity and this is a testimony to its power.”
Malloy said the Great Places program will have a $3 million budget but he isn’t sure how the funds will be divided among the six communities.
“It will allow us to enhance some projects under way like the Maasdam Barns that will serve as the gateway to Fairfield off the future bypass. It will serve as a welcome center and a place of historical distinction,” he said.
Malloy said they will now have the funds to restore the passanger train depot at Howard Park bringing it into the street scape project “where we couldn’t before.”
DuBois said the next step for the city will be to sign a “memorandum of understanding” in January. It will be a formal agreement between the city and the Great Places board.
Executive Director of the Cultural Affairs department Anita Walker will organize a formal presentation in Fairfield in the near future.
The other five cities enjoying a Great Place designation include Dubuque, Guttenburg, Mason City, Adams County and Jackson County.
“What we went through last year was a collection of spontaneous bursts of ideas. This year, all of that became integrated into a larger vision for our community as a whole, allowing Fairfield to rise above the rest,” said DuBois.
Local News
Fairfield a is a 'Great Place'
- Local News
-
-
Bridge work will close trails section
The closure of the trails between Black Lake and Mary Street is expected to remain in effect through November.
-
PHOTOS: Fire and Ice — Raising funds for smoke detectors
Cooper Chickering, 3, of Ottumwa, enjoys the “ice” part of the “Fire and Ice” event, while Ottumwa Master Firefighter Bill Keith shows a crowd the “fire” part of the fundraiser, which raises money to buy smoke detectors for Ottumwans who need them.
-
Ottumwa schools toughen Internet policy
This week, the Ottumwa school board adopted a new policy for Internet use in the district. The new policy fits with The Children’s Internet Protection Act, a federal regulation tied to government funding.
-
‘A peek behind the curtains:’ Weekend events gear community to check out trails, downtown
This weekend's events to benefit the trails and educate the community of what’s new and changing downtown include the annual Tips for Trails at the Tom Tom Tap and the mediathon to raise money for the Wapello County Trails Council.
-
Eisenhower bridge repair in the works
Insurance companies are still hammering out final reimbursements after a truck hauling a wide-load wind turbine struck the Eisenhower Pedestrian Bridge in April 2011. The city also finalized severing ties with Centerplace and blasts the company's management of Bridge View Center.
-
Cremer takes command of Veterans Affairs office
The Wapello County Board of Supervisors has approved hiring Marty Cremer of Agency as the county’s new Veterans Affairs director. Dan Hoy, the outgoing director, told the board his last day will be Friday.
-
PHOTO: Rewarding field day at Wildwood
Students at Wildwood Elementary School reap the rewards of collecting Box Tops worth more than $2,000. The school had 12 activity stations Monday at its Field Day, where Wildwood alumni came back to help the kids have fun.
-
Ottumwa school district, teachers agree on contract
The Ottumwa school district approved the 2012-13 Master Contract for teachers on a unanimous vote.
-
IHCC eyes 2012-13 budget estimates
A potential state funding increase could add $800,000 in new money to the Indian Hills Community College's bank account next year. On the other hand, an estimated decrease in student population may reduce funds by about $800,000.
-
Gothic House Center has new outdoor exhibit area
Four outdoor panels will be available to visitors who stop by when the American Gothic House Center is closed. One panel features the history of the American Gothic House, and the others are about Grant Wood’s painting, his life and the impact of this painting.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Bridge work will close trails section
