Westfield-Ripley Waterfront Opportunity Plan

Public Workshop #1: Establishing a Vision

The first public workshop, hosted by the Westfield-Ripley Waterfront Committee, occurred on February 28, 2007. The workshop provided an opportunity to gauge the public’s values and opinions with respect to the lakefront and 20-Mile and Chautauqua Creeks.

Approximately 100 members of the public hailing from both Ripley and Westfield participated, bringing to the table a range of viewpoints, experiences and interests. A series of interactive exercises and opportunities for discussion and sharing – both in large- and small-group formats – made for a lively and enjoyable evening where all ideas were welcomed and appreciated.

Refreshments and a series of door prizes added to the fun.

Specifically, components of the workshop included:

1. Project Purpose and Inventory and Analysis of Study Area
   
   A short presentation explained the purpose and nature of the Waterfront Opportunity Plan and provided context in the form of an Inventory and Analysis of waterfront resources in Ripley and Westfield.
   
   
2. Interactive Group Discussion to Identify Preliminary Waterfront Opportunities and Issues
   
   Workshop participants took part in a free-flowing group discussion to identify preliminary opportunities and issues with respect to the waterfront resources within the towns. The conversation was carried on in a “talk-show” format, with wireless microphones circulating through the audience. Ideas and comments were noted on large white notepads at the front of the room.
   
   
3. Self-Guided Exercises
   
   During a short break, workshop participants were given an opportunity to provide input in the form of two self guided exercises, which could be handed in at the end of the workshop.  The first was a “Sacred Places” exercise, where participants were asked to identify special or unique waterfront places or resources.  In the second exercise, participants were shown photographs of particular waterfront areas or resources, and asked to comment on what they valued about them and how they might change or be improved in the future. 
   
   
4. Focus Area Breakout Groups
   
   Based on the input and ideas generated in the initial group discussion, focus areas for further discussion were identified (Infrastructure, Open Space/Agriculture, Beaches, Fishing (stream & lake), Tourism Connections, and Barcelona Harbor). Workshop participants divided into smaller discussion groups based on the focus areas and then reconvened to share back with the entire group. 

A synthesis of the input received at the workshop can be found here.

Detailed results of the specific workshop activities can be viewed here.

A PDF version of the slide presentation shown at the workshop can be viewed here (note this file is 3.5 MB and some features of the presentation, such as animations, will not be viewable in PDF format).

To view photos from the workshop click here. (1.1 MB)