We cherish the closeknit, small town feel of our communities, where people are willing to help each other to provide a safe environment for residents of all ages. We take pride in the look, feel and character of our towns today and for future residents and support collaborative efforts towards maintaining and improving our communities.
Here's what we've heard in community surveys and conversations:
“There is a sense of community and togetherness. People care about each other even if they have differing opinions.”
“We are a small, close community with a strong work ethic and integrity.”
“I think it is the BEST place ever for young families to grow up.”
“I love how the community rallies around residents who are in need, usually without hesitation!”
“I'd like to see more pride in our properties, city streets and services.”
“I would hope that the community and collaborative environment would continue to shape the hearts and minds of all to be kind and compassionate for their neighbor.”
“I love the small town feel, knowing almost all of the people that live here. I love how we can get just about everything you could need right here in this small town. People always willing to help others.”
I would love to see more growth! I’d also love to see smaller community projects that would help homeowners clean up and update their homes, that aren’t financially able to.
“I would like to think that we not only could ‘paint’ the towns with physical improvements , but we could ‘paint the towns with kindness.’ We are a very rural area and we have so much to offer that many big cities don’t have that feeling to them.”
“I’d like to see walking and bike trails, improve properties around town and encourage groups to work together to accomplish more projects. Better communications between city, school, organizations to highlight opportunities and work together.”
“I hope to see a downtown where all the buildings are attractive from the outside even if not occupied.”
“I love how willing everyone is to help each other. I love what our town has to offer even though it is considered a small town.”
“I love the community...the feeling I get when I walk into Thorsons, Maynards, Akron Lumberyard, Hummers, the bank and the school. I feel like George on CHEERS!"
"I love having the convenience to purchase birthday gifts, wash my car, send flowers, pick up paint and even find someone local to make cookies! There are many talented people and caring people!”
“I would like to see an effort to cleaning up the community.”
“I love how community members are always there for one another. We have a think outside of the box attitude that helps everyone to thrive.”
“I would like to see beautification efforts downtown and along Highway 12 since that is what passers-by see. I’d also like to see a bike trail, improved and new sidewalks in the main walking routes and a safe crossing for Highway 3.”
“I love being in a small town but having enough amenities here that I don't need to go to a big town very often. I love the school, the strong community spirit and all of the community events.”
“I would like to see downtown revitalization, better curb appeal on Highway 12 through the town, city signage at entrances.”
Ideas we've heard:
Community clean-up and service days
Projects to update homes and properties
Sidewalk repair and street maintenance
Improve storefronts and look of downtown
Affordable housing and apartment options
Beautification – more flowers, trees, signage
More opportunities for middle and high school students to volunteer
Better relations between Akron and Westfield
Holiday street decorations in Westfield
Safer crossing for Highway 3
Murals on downtown buildings
Invest in better facilities like track, walking trails