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Heartbeat Creative District Survey results analyzed
The Heartbeat Creative District Survey saw a strong turnout with 269 responses, including 19 in Spanish.
The survey was available throughout the month of May in digital form through a project on the city’s informational platform EngageHastings, as well as in physical form with paper copies available at 12 locations. There were 222 surveys taken online with the remaining 47 surveys submitted on paper.
Among conclusions from participant responses was the sentiment Hastings could benefit from creating a more vibrant and appealing downtown space that is also functional.
Hardscaping (structures and sidewalks) emerged as the top priority among respondents, indicating a strong desire for improved sidewalks and overall infrastructure. Specifically, there were concerns about the upkeep of sidewalks, particularly on side streets off of Second Street.
Other key priorities identified include cleanliness, outdoor green or recreational spaces, and addressing parking concerns.
Addressing these concerns could involve not only repairing existing sidewalks but also widening them strategically. This increase in width could create space for outdoor seating outside businesses, fostering a more inviting atmosphere.
While these hardscape improvements may not be under the purview of the Creative District project, these concerns could be addressed through collaborative efforts with the ReThink our Streets project and could include efforts such as painted crosswalks.
Respondents expressed a fondness for current events in Hastings such as Celebration of Lights, Downtown Farmer’s Market and Kool-Aid Days.
Continuing to host these events and ensure they fit the needs and desires of the community should be a priority as these events encourage community engagement and increased local and downtown spending. Utilizing these events as an economic driver could be beneficial to the continued growth and development of the community and the downtown area.
Specifically, 44 respondents expressed interest in various concerts, 21 in ethnic pride events, and 12 in craft shows. Developing these new events tailored to resident preferences is crucial for furthering community engagement. Moreover, such initiatives could attract individuals who are less familiar with or infrequent visitors to the downtown area, potentially increasing both local and out-of-town engagement.
Events play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life and satisfaction among Hastings residents by providing opportunities for social interaction, cultural enrichment, and leisure activities. They also contribute significantly to boosting local spending, as attendees often patronize local businesses before, during, and after events.
Therefore, leveraging events as an economic catalyst is not only beneficial for the ongoing growth and development of both the community and the downtown area but also crucial for fostering a vibrant local economy. To successfully harness the economic potential of events, it is essential to design and market them effectively to the correct audience.
When asked if they had “any last thoughts or feedback about the Heartbeat Creative District” several people expressed frustration with lack of or ineffective marketing of events. Many residents expressed that they often miss out on events either because they are unaware that they are happening or because they find out about them after the fact.
Addressing this issue could involve establishing a centralized information hub where residents can easily access comprehensive details about upcoming events, thus fostering greater community engagement.
Heartbeat Creative District partners are now finalizing the Creative District strategic plan for submission in October to become a Nebraska Arts Council certified creative district.
Creative district communities are eligible for grants in the amounts of $10,000 and $250,000 for betterment in the specific area. No matching funds are needed.
"This survey was only the first of many ways that respondents can be involved with the Creative District project,“ said Ember Batelaan, City Planner for the City of Hastings. “Keep an eye on the Engage Hastings Creative District page in the upcoming months for drafts of the Strategic Plan, which will be available for public comment, as well as information about an upcoming SWOT Analysis.”
For more information about the project, go to https://engage.cityofhastings.org/creative-district.
Published Date: 07/17/2024