New plan offers strategies to enhance, grow and diversify Lake Worth’s downtown region
After an 18-month planning process, the City of Lake Worth, Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County today announced the launch of the Arts & Cultural Master Plan for Downtown Lake Worth.
Funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and facilitated by Lord Cultural Resources and Jon Stover Associates, the plan aims to boost arts and culture within the City, create a thriving downtown and enhance the quality of life for Lake Worth residents and guests.
“I am extremely pleased that Lake Worth will be embracing the art of Florida living in the launch of this new master plan focused on enhancing our cultural and artistic resources in our downtown,” said Lake Worth Mayor Pam Triolo. “I look forward to the upcoming FOCUS event between the City of Lake Worth, CRA and the Cultural Council. With these resources, Lake Worth will truly establish itself as the art hub of Palm Beach County.”
The master plan focuses on five key priorities: maintaining and promoting Lake Worth’s unique character; retaining and enhancing the downtown vibrancy 24/7; encouraging greater arts and culture engagement and collaboration; improving access to arts and culture within the downtown; and strengthening public support. There is a series of strategies and tactics to support the plan that the City and its partners will explore in the future.
“As the local arts agency in Palm Beach County, headquartered in Lake Worth, it was important for the Cultural Council to take a leadership role in this effort,” said President and CEO Dave Lawrence. “This plan is designed to enhance the city’s economic impact, provide funding and exposure to the arts, and take strides to be known as the place for artists to live, work and play.”
In celebration of the plan’s launch, the City of Lake Worth, Lake Worth CRA and Cultural Council, will host its first-annual FOCUS, a celebration of art, music and design from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 throughout Lake Worth. The weekend’s events include new murals painted by 19 local artists, live music at multiple venues, art exhibitions, gallery openings, lectures and an architectural design competition. The event ends with the City’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting and artist market. For event details, visit www.focuslw.com.
For more information about the Arts & Cultural Master Plan for Downtown Lake Worth, visit www.focuslw.com
ABOUT THE CITY OF LAKE WORTH
Located in central Palm Beach County, Lake Worth is a dynamic, multi-cultural city with an individualistic style. People are drawn to the city by its acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles, historic districts, hip downtown and colorful arts district.
ABOUT THE LAKE WORTH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
The Lake Worth CRA is investing in our community to revitalize and rebuild our neighborhoods and commercial corridors. We are dedicated to maintaining the character of the City, responding to community needs and encouraging sustainable economic growth to improve the quality of life for our residents and the future health of our City. The Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency is governed by a seven (7) member Board of Commissioners which is appointed by the City of Lake Worth Commission. Their role is to direct CRA activities within the Community Redevelopment Area in accordance with the approved Lake Worth Redevelopment Plan. Revenue is generated for CRA projects through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). For more information about the Lake Worth CRA and its programs, please call the CRA office at (561) 493-2550 or visit www.lakeworthcra.org.
Contact:
Ben Kerr, Communication Specialist
Phone: (561) 586-1631
Email: bkerr@lakeworth.org
