Certainly this is better than being identified as number one on the list of cities with the highest crime rate in Virginia – that’s according to a real estate website and the unsuccessful GOP candidates in May’s municipal election. That is, Roanoke was selected as one of the most livable cities in America at the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting in Dallas last weekend.
Roanoke was awarded in the under 100, 000 population category with a 2014 City Livability Award – lumped in with tony Beverly Hills, California and two other small cities elsewhere. The Parks and Arts program taking place under the auspices of the Parks and Recreation Department at various neighborhood parks in the city was the reason cited for Roanoke’s designation as a Livable City.
More than 200 applicants were vying for the 35th annual award. Roanoke Mayor David Bowers traveled to Dallas over the weekend to accept the honor; the City Livability award is sponsored by Waste Management Inc. “We humbly accept yet another national award,” Bowers said with a chuckle after his return, “[and] we’re excited. Roanoke is a six-time All-American City – no other city in America has won that prestigious award as often. We’re very pleased.”
Bowers says Parks and Arts is a growing program that brings the lively and visual arts to Roanoke neighborhoods – if they won’t come to Center in the Square or the ballet then those cultural institutions may come to them through the program spearheaded by Arts and Culture coordinator Susan Jennings, along with Parks and Rec. (Golden Park hosts the next Parks and Arts event on July 12 12-3pm.)
“We want people to use our parks for recreation and sports activities…but this is kind of a unique idea,” said Bowers, “bringing brass bands and jazz bands and country music into our parks.” The mayor also mentioned pottery exhibits, face painting and watercolor exhibits as part of the mix.
Bowers said the “unique idea” behind Parks and Arts is why the U.S. Council of Mayors, a non-partisan organization, recognized Roanoke. “The real award recipients should be the city’s Arts and Culture Coordinator Susan Jennings, and Roanoke Parks and Recreation Director Steve Buschor, who have introduced neighborhoods in every quadrant of the Star City [to the arts],” Bowers stated in a news release. The Council represents mayors from cities with a population of 30,000 or more.
Roanoke has hung its hat on the arts over the past decade or more – along with outdoor amenities – as a major asset and drawing card for the region. “That’s why we’re going forward with this idea of creating a cultural foundation,” said Bowers, referring to an endowment City Council wants to set up.
Eventually grants from that endowment can be dispensed as seed money to local arts and culture organizations. Bowers estimates that program is at least a year away from taking off. He also points to the renovations at Elmwood Park that includes a new amphitheater as being a “huge success,” able to attract major musical acts.
Bowers jokes about the myriad of festivals offered in Roanoke – like the Peach and Strawberry Festivals – but he does it with a glint of pride. “I tell people we celebrate every fruit and vegetable in the region. That’s what we like to do in Roanoke.”
Now with a Livability Award the mayor has more to crow about. “What it’s really designed to do is to connect Roanokers with the performing arts – right in their own backyard.”
By Gene Marrano
