Place of destination

    Much has been said over the past several years about making Presque Isle a place of destination. The topic comes up when the City Council and the Downtown Revitalization Committee discuss their visions for the future for the City, when the by-pass is discussed, when the Chamber of Commerce attracts tourists, and in similar discussions. Being a place of destination means economic development. So, just what does it mean and how can you help in making Presque Isle a place of destination?     For my purposes here, I’ll simply use the idea that being a place of destination is where a person wants to travel to or where they want to end up. So, if you want to be a place of destination then you simply need to determine what will attract people. This is both a simple and complex matter.
    Some of the things that make a community a place of destination is the community itself. This includes a strong school system and opportunities of higher education. It includes a level of municipal services that can support the infrastructure of the community and the needs of its citizens and the region. Transportation for roads, airports and rail are always a priority for people. A regional hospital that offers a wide range of medical services with state of the art technology is often sought. The opportunity to raise a family in a setting that has multiple houses of worship and a strong moral character is important. A low crime attracts people. Work, business and shopping opportunities are key ingredients. Cultural opportunities, music, theater, libraries, art displays, and similar offerings never hurt. The chance to go to State and local park facilities are a plus. There are certainly more but I think you get the idea. And, don’t forget those civic minded groups.
    You can then look to specific events to attract people to our community. This is where specific facilities and groups can play a role. Multi seasonal events at places like the Forum or other similar venues are important, especially when they are different events sponsored by different groups who have their own target audience. These types of events always draw people to the community. Sporting events are always a way to bring people to a community. Events that promote opportunities to ski, skate, snowmobile, ATV, canoe, fish, hunt, hike, bike, swim and the like by our various civic minded groups bring people to the community, both for a day and longer.
    Specialized events are a good draw for people. Parades are an opportunity for numerous people and organizations to show their best. And, parades are not just for warm weather as shown by the holiday light parade. Who would argue that events like the fair, harness racing, balloon festival, circus, class reunions, biathlon and trade shows are not important? And, there is a synergy of bringing people to the community when one or more civic minded groups team up to sponsor an event.
    This may not capture all of the complexities of being a place of destination. But, doesn’t it sound like Presque Isle? The key is, how do we improve upon it?
    Presque Isle City Manager Thomas Stevens can be reached at 764-4485 on online at tstevens@presqueisleme.us.