Grantsburg is still home to native Jack Giswold though he had been living in New York for the better part of three decades. Now with a summer residence on Trade Lake, he is reacquainting himself with the area and was excited to learn about the efforts of GRO. He and a New York friend met with GRO members at an informal lunch meeting at MoJos on April 21 where he talked about his impressions of Grantsburg then and now and his hopes for a rejuvenated community that he still calls home. The two, both engaged in marketing and branding in New York, talked about opportunities to promote Grantsburg and utilize our downtown to better advantage. Here are some of Nicki’s notes:
Facade improvements can be as simple as youth or community ed classes – just the cost of paint and materials. Could have a competition among churches. Have a group develop planter boxes for each business.
Memory Lake Park ideas:
Flea market with local crafts (possibly during Music in the Park)
Plant new trees
Obstacle course
Art walk – once a month where vendors set up tents – could be on main street during Watercross or other event. Hides “empty” businesses and brings life to town.
Collective garage sales
Ice sculpture contest
Nate said that he has approached the Village about a Developer Day. A package would need to be developed showing areas that could be developed, usage ideas, etc. Then bring in developers to see who wants to invest in the projects. This was presented as an idea for the Kozak property and was not executed upon. GRO should advocate and help move this along.
End of notes.
Jack and his friend praised our efforts and left us with a new sense of mission. We hope to developed these ideas and generate more with more such meetings in the future.
