A key recommendation in Embrace Millcreek - the Township's comprehensive plan - calls for the creation of a "Distinctive and High-Quality Gateway District to Presque Isle State Park." An important aspect of accomplishing this task is to understand what makes this area a district and how it should be highlighted and celebrated. As stated earlier, districts are typically developed around a dominant land use, such as the case with New York City's Garment District, or a dominant physical characteristic, as with the River Walk in San Antonio. Here in Millcreek, the dominant use is related to the State Park. However, leading up to the park there is really no way to know that the park is nearby except for a small sign on Peninsula Drive. The area lacks key visual cues that send a message to visitors that the park is near and that they are either entering or have arrived at a special place near the park. So what makes the Presque Isle District special and what should those visual cues be? It starts with a central theme.
After speaking with local stakeholders early in the planning process, it became evident that the Presque Isle State Park is, and should be, the District’s driving force. Of course, people talked about Waldameer and many other well-known local businesses but the State Park and its more than 4 million people that visit the Park annually that topped the conversations. In fact, many locals refer to Presque Isle as the “Peninsula.” Based on these discussions and input from the general public through the online engagement site, the project team developed a central district theme based on:
Celebrating the Peninsula - According to a Native American story the peninsula was viewed as an arm of nature that protects Erie. The shape of the peninsula is a recognizable feature that can provide a strong graphic element in the theme.
Bringing Aspects of the Park into the District - One of the many distinguishing features of Presque Isle State Park is its natural quality - from the plants and wildlife to its expansive views of the Bay and Lake. As several stakeholders pointed out, the park is green and lush but the area leading up to the park is not. Although the park and the district are physically connected via Peninsula Drive, they are thematically and visually disconnected. One way to strengthen the connection is to bring more ‘green’ into the district and to celebrate the natural qualities of the park. Creating green space and landscaped areas may seem contrived or disingenuous, but these efforts could be intended to reflect and mimic the organic and natural quality of the State Park. They are visual cues unique to the area.
park. Creating green space and landscaped areas may seem contrived or disingenuous, but these efforts could be intended to reflect and mimic the organic and natural quality of the State Park. They are visual cues unique to the area.
Other theme attributes include:
Highlighting local businesses
Featuring local people - business owners, community leaders, seniors, youth, etc.
Promoting local parks and recreation sites
Above all, the theme should resonate with community members, foster a sense of local pride, and accurately reflect the District.
The graphics below are a few examples of how attributes of Presque Isle could be incorporated into the district. They could be worked into signs, banners, cutouts and other thematic components throughout the District. They could also be expanded to include other characteristics of the park based on seasons or categories, such as plants or wildlife.