Harpers Ferry Vision for Our Future continues working toward growth of community
by Kelli Boylen
Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
The thoughtful, committed citizens of Harpers Ferry have started planning improvements to their community thanks to a USDA grant intended to promote growth in low-income, rural communities. Harpers Ferry was one of five communities, four in Iowa and one in Illinois, chosen to share a total of $152,492 in funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Community Development Initiative Program (RCDI) Program. The grant was being administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD).
In conjunction with the grant funding, more than 60 community members shared their thoughts over the past two years, working with The Harpers Ferry Boosters Inc.(formerly known as the Harpers Ferry Booster Club), and CFGD. Four goals for the future of the Harpers Ferry community were identified by those involved, and they formed workgroups for each. Those goals include:
• making Harpers Ferry a place where young families thrive
• enhancing services to seasonal tourists
• growing small businesses and jobs
• a year-round home for an increasing number of residents.
YOUNG FAMILIES COMMITTEE WORKING TOWARD SPLASH PAD
A very big project is already on its way thanks to the efforts of the Young Families committee. Fundraising efforts will begin soon for a “Splash Zone” in the Harpers Ferry community. A splash zone/splash pad is a zero-depth play area featuring nozzles that spray water up as well as features that dump, spray, mist or jet water onto users (similar to the one pictured in the submitted image accompanying this article). It will have a non-slip concrete finish offering good traction. Splash pads are low maintenance, require no staffing and are high durability.
The hope is that the splash zone will attract visitors to the community, increase use of local businesses, and that young families will learn more about Harpers Ferry. A challenge the community will face is the fact that there is no municipal water in Harpers Ferry, and a well will have to be drilled at a cost of about $62,000. The 2,000 square foot splash pad will be located in the city park near the community center and will cost approximately $139,800. The total project (including costs already mentioned) will be $221,000 and that also includes electrical, plumbing and park/restroom improvements. The project has received an Allamakee County Community Foundation grant for $20,000 and the Harpers Ferry Boosters provided matching funds of $5,500.
Formal fundraising for that project will begin soon and it is hoped that ground can be broken in the spring. The City will provide the land and ongoing maintenance.
“It’s going to be great!” said Betty Steege, one of the project leaders. “It’s going to be a wonderful asset to the community.”
Steege is an active member of the Harpers Ferry Boosters. She and Theresa Gallagher have done much of the legwork on the USDA grant and keeping things moving along. They have attended nearly all of the meetings held by all the committees and have done a lot of behind the scenes work.
Once the “young families” committee completes the splash pad, other future projects may include a sledding hill, ice rink, fitness center, golf course and year-round recreational activities.
SERVING TOURIST WORKGROUP MOVES FORWARD WITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROJECT
The Serving Tourist workgroup and the Harpers Ferry Boosters received a great donation from Steve and Shirley Hawes. They gave to the Harpers Ferry Area Heritage Society the old “Oil Spring” one-room school house, which will be moved from its current location to town and be used to house a museum. It will hopefully be located near the Tillinghast Park across from the boat dock. The group hopes to erect an additional structure to house a meeting and education area and have a glass-enclosed outside exhibit for “Babe’s ice cutting equipment.”
They are also starting a new Harpers Ferry Area Historical Society webpage, harpersferryheritage.org. The Harpers Ferry Area Heritage Society has worked in collaboration with the Allamakee County Historical Society. The website will include an inventory of collections as well as a virtual museum.
Other ideas the committee is considering for the future may include a public boat dock, activities at the community center, kayak and canoe rental, a public beach, RV park, hike/bike/ATV trails and a motel.
“Seasonal guests in the community are an important part of Harpers Ferry which this workgroup fully realized,” said Steege. “Our work with the Scenic Byways added greater validity for this workgroup.”
SMALL BUSINESS AND JOBS WORKGROUP PREPARES BROCHURE
The Small Business and Jobs committee is rejuvenating the community newsletter, the “Harpers Hub”. "The Hub" is a tri-fold calendar of events that is available at local businesses. In addition, a Harpers Ferry brochure including business information, area attractions and Effigy Mounds was formatted and printed. The tourism brochure will be placed at information centers in Prairie du Chien, WI, Lansing, McGregor and Effigy Mounds. Future goals may include a coffee shop and/or bakery, a grocery store and a car wash.
“This workgroup was tireless in its effort to enhance businesses in Harpers Ferry,” Steege stated.
PERMANENT RESIDENT WORKGROUP SURVEYED RESIDENTS
The members of the permanent resident committee recognized the fact that many older residents move away once they are no longer able to do the upkeep for their homes or if they need medical care. They not only surveyed city residents, they sent questionnaires to every one with a Harpers Ferry zip code.
The survey found there is significant interest in an independent living/assisted living type facility and/or other senior housing. The next step will be seeing if a developer is interested in building something along those lines in town. Transportation is an issue for older residents as well, but no feasible option has been found.
“This workgroup, through the survey, verified an area need. However, as of now this need is unmet,” stated Steege of the transportation factor.
She said overall she has been very impressed how many hours community members have put toward setting these goals and seeing them forward, especially the committee chairs. “I really can’t emphasize enough how willing people were. We had very positive results with each of the groups.”
She added, “When we have like-minded people determined, you can get things accomplished. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I think it is going to happen.”
The Harpers Ferry Boosters Inc. is a volunteer group of people who have been working together almost 20 years for the betterment of the community. They currently have about 180 members, with about 30 of those members being regularly active with the group. It is hoped that the USDA funds will help to build greater prosperity and sustainability in Harpers Ferry.
