Iola’s downtown square has a well-deserved reputation because of its wide sidewalks, cleanliness and ornate lighting, a group of about 20 agreed Thursday.
But with those strengths are areas that could be improved.
Accessibility is one, noted Carisa McMullen of Landworks Studio. At more than one location, crosswalks are not aligned with wheelchair ramps onto sidewalks, making it hazardous for some to simply cross the street. And while there is a parking stall designated for handicapped visitors at Iola’s City Hall, getting to the building requires a wheelchair-bound visitor to roll around his car — into the street — to get to the ramp entering the sidewalk on North Street.
McMullen’s observations highlighted a 21⁄2-hour brainstorming session as part of Vision Iola, which is looking at opportunities to improve downtown.
Landworks is working with the city and Thrive Allen County this spring to develop ideas to improve downtown, as well as the city’s signage and parks and trails system.
The downtown discussions will continue with two more meetings, the next scheduled for April 8, when ideas and concepts introduced Thursday will allow Landworks to draw up a mock city block with benches, landscape improvements and better crosswalk amenities.
Input from that meeting will be used for a final proposal, McMullen said, as well as to provide information about grant opportunities from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
THE GROUP partook in a walking tour of the square in order to complete assessments looking at everything from accessibility to amenities.
Among their observations:
— The buildings on the square have a variety of uses, from retail to recreation, and the historic character of the buildings draws raves from many who pass through town. And because U.S. 54 passes through downtown, plenty of traffic is guaranteed every day.
— The green grass and fresh vegetation around the courthouse is appealing, as are the two pocket parks on the north and east sides.
— Having good quality curbing on all four sides, and with most everyone already satisfied with lighting, Iola has some options for improvements “that would have a significant impact at a relatively low cost,” McMullen said. “Lighting and curbing are among the higher-end items when you’re talking about streetscape improvements, and yours are in great shape already.”
— More site amenities, such as benches, bike racks and trash receptacles would make storefront areas an ideal gathering point.
— Hundreds of people pass by the old courthouse clock and eternal flame of freedom every day without noticing their significance. Added signage would serve the community well.
— Adding vegetation, such as trees, shrubs or flowerbeds, to the streetscape would require a maintenance plan in order for that greenery to survive, said Don Burns, director of maintenance for USD 257.
— Some of the buildings have begun to decay, with little incentives for small business owners to locate in Iola or improve their properties. Apathy also is a constant threat to downtown, noted David Toland, director of Thrive Allen County.
— Pavers or bike paths would make the square more friendly for foot traffic, although the heavy traffic along the highway creates other safety issues.
OTHER IOLANS are invited to print off and fill out their own assessments of Iola’s downtown via the group’s Web site, visioniola.com.
Completed forms can be taken to City Hall or the Thrive Allen County office on Jackson Avenue until March 26.
