The Greater Lakes Association of Realtors has received a $4,500 Placemaking grant from the National Association of Realtors to transform an unused space in Baxter into a public space for the community to gather.
“Realtors live, work and volunteer in their communities and take immense pride in working to improve them,” Greater Lakes Association of Realtors Board President Brad Wadsten stated in a news release.
The Greater Lakes Association of Realtors will use the funds for the placement of a mapping kiosk and a memorial bench. The Baxter Parks and Recreation Department will install the kiosk and bench.
“This grant will allow us to address areas in our community that are in need of enhancement and revitalization, and create a place where friends and neighbors can come together,” Wadsten stated.
Placemaking grants are awarded to local and state Realtor associations to help them and their members create new public spaces and destinations in a community, like turning a parking spot into a “people spot,” or a vacant lot into a pocket park or garden.
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“Placemaking can help foster healthier, more social and economically viable communities. It creates places where people feel a strong stake in their neighborhoods and are committed to making things better,” Wadsten stated.
Realtor associations and their Realtor members are actively engaged in the community and know the neighborhoods and the properties that would benefit most from these placemaking projects, according to Wadsten.
“As the lakes area continues to become more attractive and welcoming, nearby properties may also increase in value,” Wadsten stated.
