VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Are you looking for a place to hang out? The city of Valdosta is making changes to spruce up the downtown area.
The Valdosta Main Street Office has tried to make this area a place where people feel comfortable to come and hang out. In an effort to continue that, they're giving downtown a refresh.
"This is the heart of our community so we want the Valdosta State University students to come in. We want families," said Ellen Hill, Main Street Director. "We want young professionals. We want retirees. We want everybody to come downtown."
Hill and the city of Valdosta are working to make sure the downtown area is picture ready.
"It's for Valdosta pride, its for the local economy as well," said Hill. "A healthy downtown always signifies that you have a healthy community."
Hill shared that they are adding hanging baskets, new benches, new banners, clean sidewalks, and freshly painted light poles.
"And then maybe it will lead them into the businesses downtown for them to hang out and spend a little bit of money," said Hill.
Mandy Douthit, who works downtown at IGT Next Sports Magazine, says she's excited about the project.
"I think having it spruced up and inviting will bring more people to downtown which ultimately drives business for everyone," said Douthit.
Douthit is also excited because she says that she lives in the area.
"Will be nice to go outside and have a cup of coffee and chill with friends or walk around town and just have something prettier," said Douhit.
Hill said that this isn't there first effort at making downtown look special.
"We did a street-scape project, which was really a catalyst for downtown," said Hill.
She shared that this is just a refresh but the city will soon be embarking on another street-scape project.
"So that it will be more walk-able from VSU to downtown, and vice versa," said Hill.
Hill shared that that next street-scape project is still a ways off. It will not be done for another couple of years.
