What started with an undeveloped corner has become a unique gathering space attracting residents and visitors alike to downtown Washington.
Now, home to farmers markets, live music, and other special community events, The Commons is a vibrant gathering space where locals and visitors come together to enjoy a true sense of community, making it ideal for this year’s Quality of Place Attraction Award presented at ROI’s Annual Report to the Region on Feb. 18 in French Lick.
The Quality of Place Attraction Award recognizes a community, organization, or group that has coalesced around a project or program that welcomes both residents and visitors to enjoy the arts, culture, and natural beauty found only in the Uplands.
A 2019 Ready Community Grant from ROI allowed the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation to expand the footprint of the Commons. With the support of nonprofit, corporate, and government leaders –this project soon transformed three-quarters of a city block into a lasting asset for the community and our region.
The Commons now features the German American Stage for concerts and special events, the TrueScripts Market Pavilion along Main Street, and the Knights of Columbus Event Pavilion east of the lawn seating.
Mayor David Rhoads proudly shared that The Commons is poised to be the “crown jewel” in the city’s parks department bringing new events and people to visit all that downtown Washington has to offer.
“It’s no wonder that Daviess County is one of the fastest growing counties in the Indiana Uplands,” said ROI Vice President of Economic and Community Development JulieHalbig.
“We applaud the dedication, collaboration, and imagination that made The Commons a reality, creating a dynamic space where residents and visitors can gather, celebrate, and enjoy the unique charms of downtown Washington—fulfilling the very essence of the Quality of Place Attraction Award.”
Rhoads and Bob Grewe of Daviess County Economic Development Corporation accepted the award on behalf of the City of Washington.