The Lakewood Heritage Center is the place residents come to connect to the city's 20th century past: Since 1976, the center has told the story of the first half of the century, and now residents are being asked to contribute to the second half.
The Heritage Center's master plan was first created in 1996, but has not been updated since then. The city is currently collecting public input and comment through an online survey and open houses for an update on the plan.
"We're looking to build on the plan, not recreate it," said Michelle Nierling, the city's Heritage, Culture and the Arts manager. "It's really important to hear from the community and important to incorporate wheat we hear."
Heritage Center and city staff particularly want to hear from residents about the best ways to represent the 1960s to the present, whether that is through exhibits, new programs or tapping into new technologies.
The Lakewood Sentinel attended a Heritage Center open houses on Oct. 12 to learn about the master plan update, what the city wants to hear from people and why residents should contribute.
Point 1: The master plan update --; The update process was kicked off in August, when Louise Stevens from the consulting firm ArtsMarket, Inc., was hired to assist in the process.
"People interact with the Heritage Center in different ways," Stevens said. "I want to know how we can get people more engaged in the site instead of using it in a recreational way."
Once Stevens and staff have gathered all the public comment, they will present it to the community at a public meeting on Nov. 15, and will make further changes based on feedback from that meeting. A final draft will then be presented to Lakewood's city council sometime in January.
Point 2: Information sought --; The city wants to hear from residents on a variety of subjects related to the Heritage Center, including how to expand on some of its themes --; like commerce, education and diverse cultures --; new learning opportunities and activities the center could host.
"We've heard some interesting feedback on events that would bring people out --; thing like Night at the Museum, outdoor films and a food truck festival," said Justin Greenstein, community events coordinator with Lakewood's Heritage, Culture and the Arts division. "People really like activities here, and the site is such a beautiful place for a lot of different options."
The city is also eager for longtime residents to share stories about growing up in Lakewood and the city's history. These stories will be collected so they can be preserved and shared with later generations.
Point 3: Why should you contribute? --; "My wife and I walk through this park almost once a day, and want to see it kept focused on heritage instead of modernization," said resident Jim Galbreath.
The Heritage Center's purpose is to make the past come alive for visitors, and sharing stories, experiences and memorabilia is a crucial aspect of this process.
"A community's story is very important, and we're giving the community an opportunity to decide what that story will be," Stevens said. "It's a chance for residents to say what matters. What their children and grandchildren will see."
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/A-modern-look-at-Lakewoods-heritage,237697
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