COMMUNITY
AWARENESS TEAM
OBSERVATIONS
1.
Signage
comments:
The
visitors to Bucyrus were impressed with the signage, especially that displayed
by local businesses downtown and the welcome fence at the entrance to
town. What they did say was confusing,
however, was that the retail/business area seemed to be spread out and not easy
to find. Also, they did not notice signs
that would help a visitor find the schools, the Y or parks.
Would
it be helpful to develop signage at the entrances into town that would indicate
the way to the central business area and other business clusters so that a
visitor could more easily find their way?
Also, could signage be developed to indicate the locations of schools so
that out of towners could more easily find their way
to sports and other events? To avoid
signage overload, could a coordinated effort to make the signs consistent
(color, shape), and perhaps even picking up on the bratwurst theme of Bucyrus,
be considered?
2.
Housing
comments:
In
general, the housing in Bucyrus was well maintained and showed a diverse
offering of types. Some areas of town
(north and west side) could use some improvement, but overall the housing stock
was good.
3.
Downtown
comments:
The
visitors applauded all of the steps that Bucyrus has taken to beautify the
downtown, in particular, the mural, fountain square,
hanging plant baskets and banners, flags, and a well maintained business
district. They commented on curtains
being used on second story windows, giving the impression that the upper floors
were being used. The variety of
interesting shops added to the welcoming feel, as did the coffee shop which
provided a place for the community to gather.
The major refurbishing of the Court House was commended.
The
team noticed that there were no public restrooms downtown. If Bucyrus is to attract tourists, amenities
such as this will be needed. One team
did not find a public telephone, although the other team did. With the burgeoning use of cell phones, this
amenity is less needed, but access to service can be an issue that limits the
cell phone’s usefulness. Would it be a
good idea for the public payphone to be better marked so that those visitors who need it can
find it more easily?
4.
Traffic
comments:
Traffic
flow in the downtown area seemed to flow well, but the volume of traffic and
semis made for a lot of noise and distraction from the small town feel. There was ample parking for shoppers. In the outskirts of town the traffic
patterns, particularly in regard to intersections, presented a challenge to
those not familiar with the community.
Some railroad crossings were very bumpy.
Can
semi traffic and some car traffic be diverted around the downtown area? Would
it be useful to look at ways that signals and/or stop signs could improve some
of the more difficult intersections?
Could the rail companies be contacted to find out about rubberizing
their crossings? The county engineer’s
office should be a good resource in addressing
a
number of these concerns.
5.
Comments on
people:
With
very few exceptions, the residents and businesspeople of Bucyrus were helpful
and friendly to the visiting team. One
downtown business even referred a visitor to another store when the item they
wanted was not available. The Travel and
Tourism office provided the visitors with useful information, and the City
personnel were friendly to the “strangers.”
The Travel and Tourism office was very well located and easy to find.
Bucyrus
should pat itself on the back for doing a good job in customer relations and
hospitality! It is evident that they understand how to
treat visitors to their community so that they will have a positive visiting
experience. The Travel and Tourism
Office should be commended for their visibility, accessibility and helpfulness.
6.
General
comments:
The
team suggested that the bratwurst theme could be capitalized on even more than
it is already, and that this theme will make Bucyrus unique. Bucyrus felt like a family-centered German
community, and the bratwurst theme enhances this feeling.
Bucyrus’
mural has left a positive and lasting impression with many visitors. Can it be added to the community’s
promotional materials? Can the
landscaping around it be even more improved around this town focal point?
Landscaping
at various intersections and locations could enhance the visual impression that
Bucyrus leaves with visitors (see report for specifics).
Providing
sidewalks for pedestrian travel could enhance the ease of access of both
residents and visitors to Bucyrus. A
bike path/walking trail would enhance the small town, peaceful feel of the
community.
Possible Follow-up Programs
After reviewing the
information submitted by the local visitation team, the OSU Extension Community
Awareness Team believes that Bucyrus might benefit by exploring and developing
programs in the following areas: directional and informational signage and
strategic planning. Specific items that
need to be addressed through strategic planning should include traffic
planning, sidewalks and alternative transportation network development.
The following section is
intended to assist Bucyrus after they have reviewed the report and have begun
to identify some action strategies.
|
Program |
Description |
Contact |
|
Strategic
Planning |
Helps a
community to determine their desired long-range goals, recognize and analyze
their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a plan of action to meet these
goals |
Bill Grunkemeyer, OSU Extension 614-292-5942 |
|
Signage
Program |
Assists
a community in developing directional and informational signage |
Downtown
Ohio, Inc. 614-258-6200 |