Girard community aims to revitalize the town square

GIRARD , Kan. ( KOAM ) -- The Girard community is taking steps to revitalize its town square, through various initiatives.

Kathi Cooper, a business owner highlights the importance of this process.

“If you don’t start, then you just never are able to get that ball rolling,” said Cooper.

Cooper, who was raised in Girard, says filling the vacant spaces in the town square with businesses and community activities.

She is developing a general store on the square. It will have a “nostalgic atmosphere and bottles with the cap that you have to take off, just old-fashioned things like that", said Cooper.

“Just like in your house, you walk past things day after day after day, and you don’t realize the condition, if your house needs fresh paint or needs an update. That’s how we came to see the square,” said Jenny Collins, President of Girard Mainstreet

The revitalization plans also include adding a stage for concerts, a park, and murals.

These improvements are designed to attract more visitors and encourage residents to stay in Girard.

“Just that fresh coat of paint can really change your whole feel for going through town. It really makes people excited to get out and about,” said Jessica Ripper, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Educational opportunities are being provided to help new businesses establish themselves.

Ripper hopes this will create a ripple effect, inspiring other local businesses to make upgrades.

Through Network Kansas, the Girard Area Chamber of Commerce is also offering a "Pitch Your Porch" program, which allows businesses to apply for grants to make improvements on the front of their business.

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