Community Art Center Survey Results
Pleasant Prairie conducted an online survey to assess public interest in a community art center from January 15 to February 20. Community members were invited to participate in the study by email, social media, Village Newsletter, and local media outlets. The survey received approximately 200 responses, answering questions designed to evaluate residents’ interests and desires for the types of arts and creative spaces needed in the downtown Village Green development.
The data resulting from the survey provides the Steering Committee public insight on what to focus on for a community arts center. Questions assessed the level of interest for art classes, demonstrations, performance theater, events, and maker spaces. The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions and rated options with a 10 point scale, where 1 indicated “no interest,” and 10 indicated “high interest.”
Survey results demonstrate there is interest in developing creative community spaces in the downtown area. Responses showed interest in art classes and programming, along with indoor and outdoor performance theater, with space for events. Nearly 50 percent of the survey group expressed interest in arts and crafts, painting, drawing, and culinary cooking programs. The majority said they would prefer paying for individual classes in the $25-$49 range, instead of paying for a membership plan. Cooking demonstrations, live theater, comedy, and concerts were among the top choices for developing a performance theater space.
The Steering Committee would like to thank all the residents that contributed and responded to the survey. The feedback received from the study is critical in determining the needs, priorities, goals, and strategies that guide the vision for the future downtown area. The full survey results are listed
here.
Village Green Open House will be Rescheduled at a Later Date
For the last several months, Village staff, along with the Steering Committee and RINKA (architects, planners, and designers), have been working together to summarize and confirm the Designing Downtown Pleasant Prairie visions and goals. Based on those visions and goals, RINKA has developed a Concept Draft Master Plan and Civil Site Analysis that will be presented to the public in an upcoming open house.
The Village Green open house event was originally going to be held on Thursday, April 2, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak the open house will be rescheduled at a later time. An announcement will be made when as soon as a date is decided.
The proposed Village Green mixed-use “downtown” development consists of approximately 180 acres of land, generally located at Springbrook Road and Highway 165. Upon approval of the Concept Draft Master Plan, RINKA, Village staff, and the Steering Committee will create a final Village Green Master Plan and develop zoning documents that will guide the layout for public and private improvements within the Village Green Center.