The Observation Deck

Observers, most of you have probably already seen the announcement about this event to be held tomorrow (rain or shine!), under the "announcement" area of the deck.

I am writing to ask for your feedback. Is this a good way to get residents/employees out to explore our business district?

We chose Wednesday because it is the day the hospital has the most employees on campus. Our goal is two-fold.....to get folks to explore downtown, shop at local merchants and to encourage walking during the day. Next time should we try the weekend?

I'd love to do this again......and in other areas of the city. Your suggestions for refinement would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Since I don't work in Lakewood, the weekend would be better. By the time I get home and do what I need to do, the festivities will be over.

Relating to the walkability of Lakewood:
There is a website that rates the walkability of any neighborhood on a scale of 0 to 100. It is based on the proximity of amenities in the neighborhood...at least those that google maps has on file. It isn't perfect by any means, but it is interesting.
Walkscore for Warren/Detroit

Mary Anne,

I think it is great that you are encouraging people to get out and walk around. In the short term people will need incentives to get out and walk around if they don't already. It sounds like you are doing a good job of making this something fun and worthy for people to do. I hope in the long term that more shops, restaurants, pubs, parks, sitting spots, etc spring up that will give people a reason to walk around.

I liked the idea on another thread by Mr. Crino of a trolley/bus that makes a loop of Lakewood - likely mainly for pubs and restaurants at night, but especially during the days it would serve all districts along Detroit and Madison. There would be frequent stops that were very noticible, named, and easy to find, a regular, dependable schedule, and a ticket that would serve as a discount card at participating merchants. In theory, you could get anywhere in Lakewood and to key connections like the rapid and the metroparks trail with a combination of short walks and a trolley ride. For example, along Detroit, a series of stops would be the St. Ed's, Bunts, Lakewood Hospital, City Center, Library....

I have a couple ideas that could be used as short term prods to get people walking.

1. Placing artwork by local artists in empty storefronts? The artists could have contact and pricing information. It would turn much of the city into an art gallery of sorts. I'm not sure how much would sell, but it might be interesting enough to draw people out onto the streets or into Lakewood to explore and hunt for art.
2. A scavenger hunt with clues hidden in storefronts, on buildings, etc? If done really well (with some nice incentives at the end) I think it could be a lot of fun.

Chris-

Regarding art in empty storefront windows, this is something that has been done with great results in areas outside of Lakewood. It's something I spoke with John Crino about because an acquaintance of his is involved. I'm afraid both John & I were too busy to pursue the matter, but it would be a very good fit here.

Some of the local gallery owners could also be approached to help as well.

As for the Lakewood Walk tomorrow, if the point of this is to involve hospital employees and Wednesday is a big day, then it's good to try to reach that population on that day (providing there has been ample publicity and invitations).

I've been over to the hospital a couple of times in the past couple of days and I didn't see any notice of the walk. Of course, I haven't been to the lobby or the cafeteria, but I've been through other areas/elevators/etc.

DL

This sounds much like the MAMA Art Walk at the end of September. I believe they have 15 artists 7 musicans to work with empty space and full space on Madison Ave.

This has been a project with the help of "Lakewood is Art" and Madison Avenue Merchants Association. The spring walk Madison was a warm up to get things ready for the full blown art walk.

I also think Lakewood is Art is about ready to announce their first two statues for public spaces. Lakewood is Art is that new group that believe that ALL of Lakewood is an art community.

FWIW


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dl.......The Hospital (Susan Grimberg and David Pauer), along with the city's Division of Human Services (Dottie Buckon) are partners in this event, and I believe most of the communications with employees has been internal. I did see the flyers in the hospital cafeteria yesterday. We'll see!

Well, there you go.

We missed the cafeteria, which is a darned shame especially because their salad bar is so good.

Enjoyed the walk today. Discovered a new place that I would have never noticed if I had been driving...The Blue Onion. It looks like a good place to run in and grab lunch if you are in a hurry. The cookies were good, too. Maybe next year have a couple of places with music along the way.
Maybe more merchants will be involved next year. It's a good start.

Thanks, Mary

Chris Trapp wrote:Relating to the walkability of Lakewood:
There is a website that rates the walkability of any neighborhood on a scale of 0 to 100. It is based on the proximity of amenities in the neighborhood...at least those that google maps has on file. It isn't perfect by any means, but it is interesting.
Walkscore for Warren/Detroit

That's a very interesting feature. I'll have to see how places compare. Though I didn't know I lived off the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Does anyone know where that name came from?

We were handing out waters to whoever stopped in from the walk to help them make it through the heat. One bottle was our total count. We did see some happy walkers going by though. Good idea, good event. Always better next year...just like the Browns.

Corey

Kate

Grand Army of the Republic Highway is the old name of US Rt 6

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/us6.htm

weird that it is in this mapping program....

Lakewood Walks tally:

160 walkers walked a total of 278 miles!

The event promoted walking and our local merchants plus it strengthened our social capital. The grand prize winner was Catherine Step of Manor Park. She walked with her neighbor and their kids. "I loved seeing so many people I know out walking", she said when she picked up her gift this afternoon.

Thanks to all who participated or supported. Please keep the ideas coming.

Mary Anne

Thanks Mary Anne for organizing the walk!
Tracy and I had a good time walking. We can't wait to try some food from the Blue Onion...maybe a picnic lunch to go. And we found a great, unique wedding gift at Deja Vu.

That sounds similar to the Summer Walk on Madison Mama did in June which was a success. Events that bring Lakewood residents as well as out of town people to Lakewood to support the local businesses is always good.

I wrote about the Blue Onion a while back. If you want something unique for Thanksgiving, you have to try their ten pound pumpkin filled with gourmet stuffing at Thanksgiving! Their Quiche is always good too!!!