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In a recent op-ed for The Apopka Chief, Orange County District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore casts a spotlight on the essential ingredients for cultivating thriving neighborhoods. Her piece, aptly titled “Neighborhoods Make Great City,” underscores the importance of strong leadership in community development and lays out critical strategies for fostering unique, character-rich neighborhoods.
Central to Moore’s argument is the notion that communities should strive to develop distinctive features that resonate with authenticity, affordability, and local involvement. This approach to neighborhood development is not just theoretical; it is being put into practice with notable success by the People of Wekiwa Springs (POWS).
In collaboration with county officials, the fire department, local residents, and volunteers, Moore cited how POWS has been instrumental in transforming a small area of land at the intersection of Votaw and Thompson Roads into a vibrant community space. This “temporary” park, now a hub for various ‘pop-up’ events, reflects the dynamic, community-driven project Moore envisions.
The park’s debut event, the 1st Annual Easter Event, was a resounding success, drawing over 100 individuals of all ages from throughout the area. This marked the beginning of a series of gatherings that brought the community together and propelled POWS in the year-long campaign to try to win the 2023 Corridor of the Year Award for their entry of the Votaw corridor. The group’s efforts exemplify how community engagement and creativity can lead to meaningful and lasting improvements in neighborhood quality and cohesiveness.
As we look forward to more events in this unique space throughout 2024, both planned and spontaneous, POWS stands as a testament to the power of community action in creating vibrant, unique neighborhoods.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As POWS continues to garner recognition for its outstanding contributions to community building, as highlighted in The Apopka Chief, we invite you to participate in this exciting journey.
Visit our website at wekiwa-springs.com to learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved. Your participation can make a real difference in our efforts to create a more connected and vibrant community. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our monthly community meetings – details are available on our website. Together, we can continue to make our neighborhood a place to live and thrive.