May 2022 – Page 2 – Ralston, Vermont's "Green Island" City

Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure

I propose that Ralston invest more heavily into bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, or at the very least, prioritize non-car infrastructure. This will be very beneficial for both the residents of the island, and in drawing tourists as an attraction.

Mackinac Island is a very good example of the potential success of prioritizing bicycle infrastructure on an island. Despite the town only having around 500 residents, the island can get as many as 15,000 visitors a day, which is a lot of potential money. The infrastructure also has evidently allowed much of the natural landscape of the island to be preserved, as it prevents sprawl.

Though I do not think banning cars is necessary like it was done in Mackinac Island, Ralston can still benefit greatly in implementing in a similar fashion what Mackinac Island has done. The residents of the Ralston will benefit greatly from bicycle infrastructure due to the size of the island, it being small enough where not a lot of roads are needed, yet large enough where it may take some effort to get from one end to the other. This will make commuting in town significantly easier, and lower car congestion from all the unnecessary cars it takes off the road. The tourist industry of the town will also benefit from such infrastructure. It makes the town look smaller, quaint, and therefore more livable and attractive. The infrastructure will also differentiate the town from other parts of the country, making it more attractive to visit. Finally, it will make the transportation of tourists throughout the town more manageable, as giving visitors the option to use bicycles over a car will ease traffic congestion within the town.

Ralston Family Skating Rink

I would like to add a family outdoor skating rink to the town of Ralston. Its location would be in the Old Meadow Park in Ward 3. People would be able to gather and experience outdoor ice skating right in their own backyard. In the spring, summer, and fall, people could roller skate, take lessons, and boogie down during open skate. This beautiful facility could offer the town and residents a lot of exercise and entertainment year round including open skating, rink rentals, and skating lessons. I see the skating rink as a great contact zone for the residents of Ralston. The family skating rink would encourage another way for residents to build relationships and friendships within the community in a safe, healthy environment. It would also help generate revenue as well. Weekend evening s’more bonfires would be a fun social element to add to the rinks’ offerings. Ideally, there would also be a restaurant/snack bar area on site for people to enjoy hot chocolate, light fare, snacks, and sweets.

Fishing Pier

One of the heart and soul attributes of Ralston is that it’s on an island, giving it its own unique landscape and geographical character. For my community contribution, I plan to utilize this aspect of Ralston to the fullest by installing a fishing pier. I plan for this pier to be installed right outside the canal gardens in Ward 1. This location will make it easy for both residents and tourists to see when crossing over the bridge to Ralston, so it should be easy for it to catch people’s interest. At the foot of the pier, there will be a stand where people who don’t have their own fishing rod can rent or buy one, giving the opportunity for everyone to participate. There will be a list at the end of the pier giving patrons the types of fish that can be found in the lake, as well as basic details such as size and rarity. A few times a year, there will be contests on who can catch the most fish or biggest fish. Hopefully this project will help bring residents and tourists together, as well as bring some much-needed attention to ward 1.

Renovating the Theater

In our beautiful town of Ralston we have many beautiful buildings, but every town has an abandoned building or two. Sadly in a corner of Ward 1, there is one of these abandoned buildings. Everyone who has the pleasure of living in here has most certainly seen the sad theater, now dark and empty. As time goes on damage and infamy of the theater will only grow, this is where my proposition comes in. I want to take care of the eyesore on the skyline of our stunning town. Take it from a burden on Ward 1 and all of Ralston to a place where we can all collect. Hopefully, this will also bring more business and bustling to a struggling part of town.

What I am looking for is some funding for some of the more important renovations. I have other backers taking care of some of the business expenses but the renovation and clean-up is the highest expense and therefore requires the most support.

Without the support and with some luck, I might still be able to continue the renovation. This less expensive renovation would not be able to preserve the current architecture of the theater, which is a priority for me and many of my supporters. Though the theater is not going to change the heart and soul of the town I do believe that it can bring back a small pleasure to our lovely community.

Ralston Art Museum

The Ralston Art Museum would be located Ward 2 nestled with most of the other popular attractions in that area. This would be a great addition to the area and would be a very influential contact zone. The museum would showcase local artists and artisans from Ralston. It would also have installations from all over the world, bringing the world to transition. This would intersect cultures and cause them to meet, and grapple with each other. Art is universal and has brought people together for ages. It showcases the world in a multitude of mediums. Ralston is strongly centered around its individuality and artisans, this Museum would showcase these values and give the citizens a center of the exhibition. The community could be showcased alongside world-renowned artists and bring publicity to local artist. Museums draw visitors year-round and with frequent exhibit rotations, the community would always have something new to enjoy. Anyone can come and view the installations which means that there is an intersection between all the people of Ralston. No one is excluded from art and community members have chances to be featured. The building itself has a more traditional shape to match the small-town feel of Ralston but with a minimal and contemporary feel. The architecture fades into the surroundings but stands out and clearly states “art lives here.” It may seem to stick out but the building itself is a piece of art and is there to be enjoyed and draw attention. Artisans are at the center of Ralston’s community and they should be showcased.