AdvanceChristiansburg

It's easy to take the simple things for granted sometimes.  Like how our town is still a place where we can borrow a tool or cup of sugar from a neighbor ... call for help in an emergency ... and actually feel like someone nearby actually cares.

Attending the dedication of the New River Trail Extension in the Town of Pulaski's Heritage Park yesterday (http://www.pulaskitown.org/NEW_RIVER_TRAIL_EXTENSION.aspx) reinforced some key goals to me for keeping our town moving in the right direction.  These include:

1.  Creating regular opportunities for gathering and community pride (like the Grand Reopening this Saturday 14 June and the other Grand Classic Cruiser Saturdays this summer, numerous other special events like July 4th that are planned by our Recreation Department Staff, etc).  There were several Town of Christiansburg residents in attendance at this event which also reinforces the importance of regional planning/perspectives in meeting our residents needs). 

2.  The importance of recreational opportunities to foster interaction and community cohesiveness.  Alternative transportation aspects of some of these facilities are equally important.

3.  Active participation by both citizens and town officials (staff and elected) in generating ideas and carrying out plans (http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/trejbal/wb/165026).

Taking just a few moments to focus on recreation, isn't it amazing the effect that the Recreation Center, the Harkrader Sports Complex, the Huckleberry Trail, parks, and/or everyday walking experiences have on the promotion of common good and neighborly interest?  Where else do folks from age 8 to 88 commonly form an immediate bond with each other than in one of these places?  Have you ever passed or met someone in one of these places that resulted in a smile, greeting, or more, and left both of you feeling better than before?  The answer is likely yes.

And so what's the point?  It's simply to note that our town has done, and is doing, GREAT things in the area of recreation ... and we can do even more.  The Town Staff does an outstanding job maximizing our return on tax-dollar investments.  In looking at the Town's Recreation Master Plan, there are many other things in store for us as the future unfolds.  Investments in indoor facilities like the Aquatic Center are being carefully considered this year to identify recurring operations, staffing, maintenance, and marketing costs.  Some other key priorities for our community, and ones that I am particularly interested in developing for the sustainability of our Town, should be the development of outdoor amenities like Open and Park Spaces, bikeways and walkways, and the construction of sidewalks. 

Regional cooperation with Montgomery County and the Town of Blacksburg is increasing in these areas and more opportunities to interconnect green infrastructure like bikeways/walkways and parks will manifest.  Also, I think it's increasingly important for the Town Government to lead by example with some of these things.  This means more aggressive identification and development of Bikeway/Walkway corridors (many of which are already identified in the Recreation Master Plan), the identification/secural/development of outdoor park and open spaces that can be used for community purposes, and the actual construction of sidewalks by the Town beginning in the Central Business District and eminating to adjacent neighborhoods and commercial areas.  I believe that leadership in these areas will create the tomorrow that will keep the fire burning for future generations to stay right here.