Spring has arrived!
Sense of Place
Places said to have a strong “sense of place” have a strong identity and character that is deeply felt by local inhabitants and by many visitors. Easley is well on its way in developing a “sense of place.”
I was fortunate to participate in the dedication of the Park on Pendleton Street in April. The park is well done with flowers, fountains, and flags and a gazebo that was dedicated to former Mayor Chris Christopherson who had the vision for the downtown park. Mayor Bagwell, the city council, and employees of the city are to be commended for their progressive improvements to Easley. This small park is but one of the pieces to add to our identity as a family oriented community.
So what do we have in Easley? We have an excellent city recreation program and a great Red Owens sports complex. Just look at the high use of the Bagwell gymnasium and the many outdoor playing fields that are in high use. The Big League Baseball World Series is the capstone of this use and gives Easley national exposure as a family and sports oriented community. Our Pickens County YMCA in Easley has great youth and family programs and their membership is at an all time high. Once again, it reinforces the family which is the strength of Easley.
Look around at the street improvements, sidewalks, and new bicycle lanes that are being done in Easley. The objective to make Easley a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community is taking shape. This will get people outside bicycling around the community and walking or jogging on sidewalks that eventually will interconnect downtown with residential areas and ultimately with the Red Owens Complex. Encouraging families to be physically fit and doing things together is the goal.
Finally, I was riding around Saturday and was impressed with the many people out in their yards cutting, cleaning, and planting. The message it gives is that our residents take pride in their property and community. This pride shows that Easley is a community that is family oriented.
