A C T I VAT E / R E C R E AT I O N | L O N G T E R M
LONG TERM
F E S T I VA L A N D EVENT GRANTS
Existing events like the Christmas Parade are beloved community attractions that help bring visitors and activity downtown. While more events are desired by the community, Thomson has limited resources and support staff to organize and run them. One solution to this gap might be developing a Special Event Grant program in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce or Convention & Visitors Bureau to incentivize privately operated festivals and other programming downtown. Cities like Monroe, Georgia, have been very successful in bringing private events downtown with Downtown Community Event Grants of $250 or less. To make this process accessible for prospective event holders, the city should consider creating a streamlined “one-stop shop” for event programming in conjunction with Special Event Grants. A full-time event position most likely will need to be created for events and activities to take place on a regular schedule. Lead: TBD Prospective Completion Date: TBD Potential Funding: TBD
LONG TER M
MINI MASTERS PUTT-PUTT
Thomson’s location near the famed Augusta National Golf Club creates opportunities to generate tourism and investment in the community. Many Thomson residents are avid golfers and take pride in the nearby Masters Tournament. Constructing a “Mini Masters” putt-putt golf course downtown to coincide with the tournament might get local school children and youth excited about the game and create more family-friendly activity downtown. This activity could be designed as a children’s competition with funds benefiting a local charity. A full-time event position most likely will need to be created for events and activities to take place on a regular schedule. Lead: TBD Prospective Completion Date: TBD Potential Funding: TBD
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