By: Taylor Arens - Journal Staff
Around 25 Crofton area residents gathered at the city auditorium this past Monday, March 16, for the third and latest round of ECAP discussions on how to make life in the community better.
These meetings, led by Nebraska Extension educator Jordan Rasmussen with Rural Prosperity Nebraska, are the result of a community improvement survey conducted earlier, with the idea that specific projects could result from strategic planning meetings like these.
A previous meeting occurred on March 2 to discuss the vision for the future of the city where participants discussed moments when they felt proud to live in Crofton, along with several discussions about new projects to be completed for the community.
At the most recent meeting on March 16, residents discussed how to improve Crofton through discussions about short term, easily achievable goals for the community and what people wanted Crofton to look like.
Suggestions of improved signage pointing out recreation locations and ballfields, a farmer’s/country market, and ways to direct summer lake traffic to the town were brought up. There were also discussions of what was already in the works, including the new pool/bathhouse/splash pad, as well as signage improvements.
Having a Crofton passport was also a suggestion to help more people be directed to the business community. Crofton’s baseball fields were highlighted in the meeting as busy locations through the summer months that could also bring in visitors.
There was concern that visitors may not be able to locate where the local ball fields, elementary schools or high school are located. Having signs pointing toward those locations would make the community more visitor friendly.
There was also significant discussion of the importance of supporting local businesses, including local gardeners and crafts. One way to do that could be a country market where many local businesses might show off their crafts and products.
With all the ideas, Rasmussen acknowledged that there come challenges right along with it. Communication between organizations and residents, burnout and exhaustion of volunteers and community enthusiasts were brought up, along with the need to continue to engage with community youth, schools and all generations to bring them into the discussions.
One long term goal mentioned was a visitor center for Crofton. Having it in the library or the Argo Hotel or perhaps some other location were a couple options brought up. Street improvements remain high on the wish list for the long term as well.
There was a palpable energy in the room, among those who want to improve the community, get young people involved and engage and support local businesses.
The next ECAP meeting will take place March 30 at 6 p.m. at the city auditorium. It is open to the public and all ages are welcome to attend and have input even if they haven't attended previous meetings.