Mitchell Vision Plan

Introduction

Beautification of Mitchell will improve the overall quality of life in Mitchell.  Throughout this vision plan goals and standards have been implemented to enhance the beautification of Mitchell.  These standards will create a specific historical atmosphere in the downtown area while creating an environment that will encourage growth in the commercial corridors.

Grove of Honor

One option is adding a Grove of Honor.  Since Mitchell is a Tree City, adding a Grove of Honor Park to the city would contribute to this current program.  Another option is implementing youth enrichment programs.  Such programs could be a YMCA or tree planting programs.  While having these spaces and programs available to all is important, implementing a new maintenance program is vital to making sure these areas stay in good condition.  This section will help you better understand options available to your community.

Placed in a park setting, a Grove of Honor gives residents a chance to celebrate the lives of loved ones by dedicating a tree or bench in their name.  Plaques can be used to label the dedicated trees and benches.  The grove can be enjoyed by everyone and would help beautify the city.

Goal

Develop the Mitchell Grove of Honor in the open spaces next to City Hall to honor citizens of Mitchell who served in the military.

Recommendations

• Offer the option to the public to buy plaques for trees or benches in the Grove of Honor in dedication to lost loved ones
• Link the trail system to the Grove of Honor
• Incorporate leaf tiles into the Grove of Honor
• Develop a maintenance/upkeep program for the park

Youth Involvement

Goal

Incorporate youth activities into environmental improvements to produce more mature young-adults and a cleaner environment.

Recommendations

• Organize a tree-planting program, incorporating the "Tree City" ideals.  The program can involve all grade levels in the Mitchell School system.  Schools can utilize this idea to increase the number of extra-curricular activities and encourage environmentally-conscious young adults.
• Organize a youth clean-up and recycling program.  Schools or a local children's organization, such as YMCA, should utilize this program to diversify extra-curricular activities.

Downtown Beautification

General beautification efforts downtown can make a huge impact on the overall quality of life in Mitchell. For example, if downtown property owners chose to improve their street-facing window with mirroring or etching, the entire downtown will benefit from the face-lift. These changes also give the impression of a more stable downtown by showing that the property owners took time to make such a permanent improvement.

Goal

Promote quality of life in Mitchell through downtown beautification efforts.

Recommendations

• Banner program along corridors into downtown Mitchell and along Main Street
• Window decoration and display program
• Replace all tattered awnings with fresh awnings
• Addition or rotation of mural space reflects character of Mitchell
• Provide outdoor seating and pedestrian gathering spaces throughout downtown
• Decorative gates around parking lots for visual improvement
• Implement National Main Street Approach