“The Little Town That Could”

It all began about six years ago, in a conversation among several people with an active interest in Slippery Rock - a conversation about the deterioration of the town — empty store fronts, upheaving sidewalks, weeds in front of buildings, deteriorating facades. The impact was felt not only on the town itself, but also on the University — Slippery Rock University was having trouble attracting and retaining students and faculty.

We decided to form a small group of concerned citizens to see what could be done — in a town with little industry, few wealthy people, and a strong feeling that things could not change . We called the group Slippery Rock Development.

We started to work. The first step was to learn from others who had successfully revitalized their communities — we talked to their officials, also state economic development personnel. We also learned what consultants they had used for architectural and streetscape planning. In a process that turned out to be never ending, the immediate next step was to raise funds — first private start-up funds, then a public fund drive combined with application for a series of state and federal grants. Everything had to be done by volunteers. We began in the community, and were gratified at the strong response — people, almost to a person, felt it was critical to start, to reverse the downward spiral. We had town meetings in the fire hall, and showed everyone, including property owners, an approximate plan of what we hoped to do. That started the process, six years of work, directed by the SRD Committee of volunteers,resulting in a $5M+ renovation and a completed Main St., new signage, façades, arts, parking enhancements. Phase Two redevelopment is now underway - to connect the Main St to the shopping plaza adjacent to town.

But we knew that creating a pretty streetscape will not be enough. We had to attract new businesses and investment, and most importantly a hotel to provide rooms for university and community visitors. To attract a hotel, it was necessary to change the borough’s “no liquor law” that had been in effect for decades. Quality restaurants and a hotel would not consider the town without wine and liquor. When the citizens understood what really was at stake, they voted overwhelmingly to go “wet.”

Since then, the Town has been renamed, “The Village at Slippery Rock” and the dream of a vibrant downtown, a visitor attraction, is being realized.

Once started, our enthusiasm has continued to build. Committees work on art murals, a large waterfall at the entrance to the Village to announce your arrival, a sculpture of a second water feature for the walkway park, murals on buildings and a Gazebo for events. Events are now held downtown, including the now famous Village Fest. People are finding out what they can do and are enjoying it in their new Downtown. And, they are discovering that a real “Main Street” can come alive and be economically viable. And new, unique restaurants and businesses are finding successful niches.

The “Little Town that Could” story is an example of what dedicated community people can accomplish, with a clear focus, and a strong desire to improve their lives. And if a community with few resources can do it, there is hope for many other towns and cities, to pull together and renew their communities.