I learned about the new Rose District plan a little early. The fellow who stopped in the shop Friday morning said he had just come from a press conference and wondered about my thoughts on the proposal.
He was Samuel Hardiman, business writer for the Tulsa World, and he filled me in on the particulars. In answer to his question, I answered that – in my humble opinion – the Rose District has been a success, the result of research, planning, and perseverance.
It was still a surprise when I got to the business section of the paper and saw the first sentence of his article. (And I loved the artist’s rendition of me playing beside the proposed splash pad…)
There had been some district gossip that the lovely clock at the Farmer’s Market square was going to be uprooted in favor of a water fountain. Not a drinking fountain – but the public park kind. That rumor was updated to include the words “splash pad,” a fixture that is a lovely thing for some people, but – I imagine – a little difficult for someone selling fresh produce of a morning.
Still, and as I mentioned to Mr. Hardiman, changes are a good thing, at least when it comes to attracting the public. I like clocks. And I wouldn’t mind a bit if they relocated it in front of the book shop. I’m certain someone will point out that it was only recently installed and already they are uprooting it.
As someone who used to move the living room furniture around – just because – I like the idea of introducing new features. Doesn’t matter to me how long or short a time a thing has been in place. It feels good to look down every once in a while and see a new pair of shoes on your feet.
Even if the old ones weren’t quite worn out.
The writer also mentioned the plan for additional renovation in the heart of the district. Streetscaping as they call it. Apparently the plan is to redo another four blocks with matching sidewalks and landscaping. Mr. Hardiman wondered if I thought bigger is better.
Why not? I’ve heard that phrase, Bigger and Better.
More offerings will certainly give folks more reasons to visit. When there are multiple reasons to head to a certain area, it also makes repeat trips more likely. I’m all for that.
Maybe parking is going to be figured in there as well. Visitors aren’t going to arrive by hoverboard. Then again, we can’t park behind home plate for Drillers games in Tulsa, and the trek from the north-forty at Walmart is a longer distance than the off-Main parking in the Rose District.
So, bring it on.
The book shop has been through the orange-barrel-and-construction-fence phase several times and we’ll just grin and bear with it.
It ought to be a good thing and I ought to know.
I read it in the newspaper…
Come visit!
McHuston
Booksellers & Irish Bistro
Rose District
122 South Main St. Broken Arrow OK!