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Activate Public Right -of -Ways <br />In 2021, Rivers Edge Commons Park and the parking lot <br />behind Elk River Meats provide the majority of outdoor <br />event space downtown. If the Elk River Meats parking lot <br />were to be developed in the future, events like the city's <br />Farmers Market could be greatly impacted. To create more <br />space for future events, the city should evaluate strategies <br />for activating public right-of-ways such as Jackson Avenue <br />between Highway 10 and Main Street as a part of the <br />recommended development of a Downtown Master Plan. <br />Strategies that could be explored as a part of the Downtown <br />Master Plan planning process could include converting <br />that section of roadway to a shared road using remov- <br />able bollards or transforming on -street parking spaces to <br />parklets or outdoor dining areas. <br />By activating public right-of-ways, downtown events <br />like the Riverfront Concert Series that attract residents <br />and visitors downtown and promote spending at nearby <br />restaurants, bars, and shops, can be expanded. Expanding <br />downtown events to offer more diverse programming <br />will boost foot traffic on weeknights and weekends and <br />would solidify the district as a regional destination. The city <br />should consider placing a focus on multicultural events <br />that celebrate the different communities that call the city <br />home, such as a Lunar New Year or Holi celebration. In <br />addition, Elk River should take inspiration for events from <br />other waterfront communities that have leveraged their <br />connection to the water to create programs like "Dog Days <br />at Drexel", hosted by the City of Oak Creek. Dog Days at <br />Drexel is a canine friendly event which features dock diving <br />competitions for dogs and dog -related vendors. <br />il <br />2019 Elk River Fest <br />Elk River Comprehensive Plan • Economic Development Plan <br />67 <br />