Gretna, VAHomegrown Innovation Initiative

Jennifer Chen and Allison HomerDanville Regional Foundation Interns

Summer 2015

Methods

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1. Immersion (161)2. Diversity3. Mapping : Assets, Needs, Ideas4. Feasibility5. Revitalization6. Connections

Assets of Gretna

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Challenges in Gretna1. “Things for youth to do”

Boredom→ Crime

2. “Places to work out”People would live in town

3. “Divisions between groups”Organizations, demographics

4. “Lacks Confidence”History, financial, logistic, tensions

5. “Employment”Trades skills gap, employing young adults 4

Top Ideas in Gretna1. Community Center / Recreation

■ Youth, Recreation, Senior Center, Daycare, Classes■ Walking Trail

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Top Ideas in Gretna, cont.2. Activities for youth

○ Bowling Alley, Basketball

3. Space revitalization

○ Pokey’s Lot, Market Square, Elba Park

4. Workforce development5. Infrastructure

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GretnaFestThree Goals:

1.Showcase 2.Revitalize

a. Event itselfb. Ideas gathered

3.Unify7

Recommendations

A. Focus on projects that everyone wants firstB. Stay in touch with DRFC. Collaborate and work togetherD. Positivity

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THANK YOU!

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“We are the friendliest little town around, and we have come alive.”-Gretna Resident