(Estherville)– A community betterment initiative in Estherville has issued a list of projects it hopes to accomplish in upcoming months.
Representatives of the Excel! Estherville organization say the projects pertain to economic development, community activities, recreation and community betterment.
They include new banners and flower baskets for Central Avenue; a matching fund to serve as an incentive for businesses to improve the facade of their buildings; new activities including a community dance, a holiday music and art show, and a soccer tournament. Others include a housing assessment to gauge the possibility of new opportunities to attract new residents to Estherville; a community branding initiative to achieve increased economic activity; and investments in recreational projects including tennis courts, a skateboard park and an additional shelter building at the city park.
Officials with Excel! Estherville say the projects were identified as priorities in a year-long community-wide strategic planning process carried out by nine committees and nearly 100 community volunteers.
Bill Bumgarner, an Excel! Estherville community representative, says the city’s local option sales tax will help fund the various initiatives.
