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Date: 10/3/2023
BELCHERTOWN — Belchertown is seeking community input on branding and wayfinding and a cultural district, projects that each highlight the local experience.
There are online and in-person opportunities to share feedback on two projects highlighting local character.
Residents, visitors and business owners can share their thoughts by taking an online survey at tinyurl.com/4ry3u5hm.
Those interested can also visit the community table at the Belchertown Heritage Visioning Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 6-8 p.m. or the Hungrytown Concert at Clapp Memorial Library on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 3-4 p.m.
There will be more details and additional input tabling and event dates, including at the Belchertown Farmers and Artisans Winter Market and Belchertown Senior Center.
Those dates will be added on the website as confirmed.
Creative Economy Coordinator E. Maude Haak-Frendscho explained the hope for branding and wayfinding efforts.
The branding and wayfinding signage program will result in consistently designed signs that will identify key locations and direct drivers and pedestrians while providing information.
“The brand established through this process will highlight the historic, rural and natural characteristics that make Belchertown unique,” she added.
The wayfinding designed with this brand will reinforce the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.
Haak-Frendscho said, “The formation of a Massachusetts Cultural Council-designated cultural district will also further reinforce the brand of Belchertown by celebrating the cultural heritage, annual festivals, popular food and music events and many local artists and artisans through recognition and funding for these activities.”
The Massachusetts Cultural Council describes a cultural district as a place that drives economic growth, strengthens distinctive local character and improves the quality of life of families across Massachusetts.
“Support for these cultural activities will increase tourism, initiate business growth, and enhance visibility for district activities. Together, the branding and wayfinding and cultural district programs will promote economic development, solidify a sense of place, and strengthen quality of life,” Haak-Frendscho said.
Cultural district designation can be a key element of creative economic development in Belchertown.
According to Haak-Frendscho, it would annually provide $15,000 of cultural district funding to support activities that can be leveraged with other funding sources while also helping activate public spaces and rehabilitating 6 Berkshire Ave.
The proposed cultural district map, embedded within a Belchertown cultural asset map, are both in progress.
Haak-Frendscho added, “Please take part in the community input process for these two key economic development programs.”
Town Administrator Steve Williams said, “The town is investing in tools for improving the built environment visually, providing key informational and directional signs to visitors, and ultimately, sparking economic activity that will benefit us all. We hope residents and business leaders will join us by sharing their input.”