City has big plans for tiny space

A narrow space on Main Street between a former furniture store and an accountant’s office will soon be a community gathering place for events and activities of all kinds with the hope of bringing the community together to celebrate its diversity.

The city council approved “Unity Plaza” at its December 23, 2024 regular meeting, recognizing the benefit of such a space with a nod to the originators of the idea: former City Administrator Alan Olson and Mayor Tim McCauley.

Current City Administrator Luke Grimes took the idea and ran with it, presenting his plans to the council.

“I would love a motion to adopt this plan or some variation of it you might come to,” Grimes said.

Grimes provided a handout to the council and interested public that outlined his vision.

Medill and Thooft CPA owns the lot and is leasing it to the city for a small fee, and donations have also been made by Scout Energy, WT Construction and Croell Inc. All will be honored with signage once the plaza is finished.

The theme was chosen to symbolize the city’s commitment to ushering in a new era of cooperation, inclusivity and community progression and is a place designed for fellowship.

Grimes said he sees the park as an opportunity for the city to generate much-needed fanfare and solidify is commitment toward becoming a town that “Refuses to stand still.”

“Theming the park as sort of a monument toward the community coming together to usher in just an era of collaboration and good will and working together to make Ulysses a great place to live,” Grimes said.

Councilman John Duran asked if it was a place that would be rented out or something the public can use.

“I think we’re going to avoid that as much as we can,” Grimes said, adding the issue has come up in conversations with the property owner. “I think we’re going to avoid charging anything to use it. Maybe there would be something set up where you can reserve it.

“That might be something we have to feel out as time went on because if it’s getting reserved every weekend and no one ever got to use it, generally we might have to go back (and say) ‘OK maybe we need to keep this open to the public,’ but as far as charging to rent it out, it’s paid for by tax dollars (so) as much as we can, let’s let people use it.”

The council was on board with the idea.

"My thoughts are that I think it would be a good deal for the city and for putting things out there for when we have different things going on whether it’s Oktoberfest, or whether it’s Cinco de Mayo,” said councilman Mark Diaz, who added it would be good to have tables, so people are not just sitting out on the street. “I think you’ve come up with a great idea here.”

Councilman Ken Warner agreed, adding it should be named Alan Olson Unity Plaza. Grimes said he was not opposed to that, but Councilman Caleb Woods discussed naming the band shell at Frazier Park after Olson, and Grimes said a plaque honoring Olson could be placed at Unity Plaza.

“I’m not against it at all,” Grimes added. “Ultimately, this is Alan Olson’s … one of his babies. I’m just doing my best to carry out his legacy here.”

Mayor Tim McCauly said poles are already up to string lights and mentioned flower beds and benches just if someone wanted to sit there and have lunch. Retractable shade areas have also been discussed.

Uses for the space would be:

•Festivals and fairs

•Music and dance performances

•Educational workshops

•Community picnics

•Market days

•Youth and family programs

•Seasonal celebrations

•Public art displays

•Wellness and recreational activities

•Beer gardens

•Volunteer drives

•Wedding or event rentals

•Community awards or recognition events.

The idea was unanimously approved by the council.