If Belleville’s Economic and Destination Development Committee has its way Pop-Ups on the Bay will become a little bigger and better over the next few years.
And it’s hoped that part of that progress will include a person working full-time to promote not only Pop-Ups but all of Zwicks Park.
At its meeting Thursday the committee heard a detailed business plan from staff with Strexer Harrop Consulting Group.
One of the plan’s main recommendations was having the city add $50,000. to the Belleville Chamber of Commerce’s events budget for a Zwicks Park Engagement Coordinator.
Consultant Tonya Krann says the Chamber is already very involved with events in Zwicks Park it just made sense to have them continue.
“The reason why we’re saying Zwicks Park is that we truly believe Zwicks Park is the destination, and ohhh by the way we have an outfitter and we have pop-ups and we have these special events. So the idea here is that the Chamber could then use this position to also support the special events that they have in Zwicks Park, insuring that there are no issues with alignment between the pop-ups and special events.”
Belleville Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Raycroft said the idea might work and that the Chamber would be open to further discussion on the recommendation.
Other options could be including a new position, or adding to the workload of an existing employee, on the city’s payroll.
However, committee member and former Belleville councillor Egerton Boyce thought having the position folded into a city department such as economic development or parks and recreation would be significantly more expensive than contracting with the Chamber.
The matter is expected to be on the agenda for upcoming city council operating budget discussions.
Other recommendations in the consultant’s report were spending up to $25,000. to create a gravel path linking the pop-ups to the Zwicks walking trail and creating a gravel courtyard which might eventually serve as a liquor licensed area in the park.
Also consultants believe two double wide pop-up units should be purchased at a cost of $25,000. for short-term rentals to bring variety for visitors.
Another $25,000. is recommended for extra lighting, shade, and additional seating.
The business plan was created after interviews with stakeholders and a public survey which attracted 445 respondents.
Last year there were 9 pop-up vendors along with 4 food trucks at Zwicks Park.
You can see the entire pop-ups business plan here.
