Cambridge Springs

    Placemaking Action Plan

    Introduction

    Everyone loves the story of the comeback kid. You know the one – the kid who had it all, suffered a defeat, and then came back stronger on the other side. Cambridge Springs is a place-based comeback kid, riding the wave of the same healing waters that brought people to its doorstep over a century ago with a new generation seeking to soothe their spirits and souls on the banks of French Creek. Community investments in Firemen’s Park, the welcome of new life to the charred landmark property of the Riverside Inn, and a group of residents committed to putting Cambridge back on the map, shows that wonderful things are happening in this hallmark water town.

    Background

    In early 2020, the Borough of Cambridge Springs was awarded the opportunity for placemaking services through Rural Rocks, a program sponsored by the Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Cambridge engaged Atlas Community Studios, a company with specialized expertise in strategic planning and place-based economic development.

    After one community visit and stakeholder meeting, the world soon fell into a global pandemic. Despite immense challenges presented to the typical placemaking process, Atlas Community Studios was able to continue virtually, thanks to support from a dedicated Steering Committee of invested community leaders.

    The people of Cambridge showed up with passion, energy, and valuable ideas to reimagine a future for the community, built around the same waters that gave it life once before.  And not a moment too soon, because as people across the country look to re-engage with nature in ways they haven’t in far too long, Cambridge is in a position to leverage its assets, offering a natural playground to residents and visitors alike. 

    What is Placemaking?

    Placemaking is a people-centered approach to building strong, vibrant communities. Our holistic approach helps communities identify the long term vision and lay out a realistic, step-by-step “roadmap” to achieve these goals through catalytic project opportunities.

    Placemaking Overarching Goals

    • Economic and social development
    • Increase population and/or tourism
    • Improve overall quality of life

    Cambridge Springs Placemaking Scope of Work

    The goal of this process is to identify high-impact opportunity areas, complementing existing and past projects, that address current challenges, and leverage existing assets for continued growth. This placemaking plan focuses on the following four key areas:

    • Downtown Revitalization + Amenity Creation
    • Public Art
    • Housing Strategy
    • Branding & Marketing

    Identified Goals for Cambridge Springs:

    • Create a more vibrant downtown
    • Inspire a sense of community pride
    • Capitalize on French Creek
    • Expand tourism strategy

    Steering Committee

    Thank you to the following people for volunteering your time and effort during this placemaking process!
    Beverly Alward
    Justin Moyar
    Delores Hale
    Randy Gorske
    Sandy Pude
    Linda King
    Beth Ryan
    Tamra Boylan
    James Byers
    Brian Harmon
    Marci Dickson
    Jodie Elllis
    Zack Hale
    Dave Matejczyk
    Jeremy Ball
    Marc Frazier VanDoren