COMMUNITY COMMENT: Ford Center a step in right direction to reclaiming Downtown
By Jennifer Engler
Special to the Courier & Press Jennifer Engler is a resident of Evansville. Evansville Courier & Press
Posted December 2, 2011
I just returned home from my first event at the Ford Center, The Hadi Shrine Circus. Let me just say that I was very impressed. The circus was just as spectacular as I remembered, and the new venue was fantastic as well.
I really love the modern design of the arena, and could appreciate the functionality of features in it. The view of Downtown from the south-facing wall of windows is quite lovely, and looking out at the buildings made me think of what Downtown used to be and has the potential to be again.
Many have been displeased by the very idea of an arena to replace Roberts Stadium, but I have remained optimistic. My optimism increased when, despite dire predictions, we found street parking within two blocks of the arena; we also left our seats (within 10 rows of the Ford Center floor) and got out an exit door in only 10 minutes (with twin toddlers in tow). There is hope for our sad Downtown area.
Hope begins with our shiny new arena and other businesses taking the road less traveled to Evansville's Downtown. Our family makes an effort to patronize small businesses in the Downtown area. We have become well acquainted with the streets, the architecture and the lovely Riverfront. We would encourage everyone to do the same.
Why not dine Downtown and stroll comfortably back to your vehicle? Why not attend a Philharmonic performance or a ball game? Why not take your kids to CMOE on a rainy day? Why not revisit Evansville's history at the Reitz Home Museum?
Let's improve upon what we already have available. What about a comedy club? A jazz club? An arthouse theater? A daily market for downtowners' grocery needs? Why not more public parking garages and fewer empty parking lots? Why not more bistros and cafes and fewer chain restaurants? Why not Evansville?
I really love the modern design of the arena, and could appreciate the functionality of features in it. The view of Downtown from the south-facing wall of windows is quite lovely, and looking out at the buildings made me think of what Downtown used to be and has the potential to be again.
Many have been displeased by the very idea of an arena to replace Roberts Stadium, but I have remained optimistic. My optimism increased when, despite dire predictions, we found street parking within two blocks of the arena; we also left our seats (within 10 rows of the Ford Center floor) and got out an exit door in only 10 minutes (with twin toddlers in tow). There is hope for our sad Downtown area.
Hope begins with our shiny new arena and other businesses taking the road less traveled to Evansville's Downtown. Our family makes an effort to patronize small businesses in the Downtown area. We have become well acquainted with the streets, the architecture and the lovely Riverfront. We would encourage everyone to do the same.
Why not dine Downtown and stroll comfortably back to your vehicle? Why not attend a Philharmonic performance or a ball game? Why not take your kids to CMOE on a rainy day? Why not revisit Evansville's history at the Reitz Home Museum?
Let's improve upon what we already have available. What about a comedy club? A jazz club? An arthouse theater? A daily market for downtowners' grocery needs? Why not more public parking garages and fewer empty parking lots? Why not more bistros and cafes and fewer chain restaurants? Why not Evansville?
No comments:
Post a Comment