People who live in Ozark may have noticed the center of town looks more spiffy these days.
That’s because a group of Ozark residents are doing their part to preserve the city’s history while being progressive when it comes to improving the town’s quality of life.
Members of the Ozark Historic River District raise money for improvements that will enhance amenities for residents and visitors while maintaining the Christian County seat’s uniqueness.
Historic River District board member Ashleigh Hawkins said it’s a balancing act. Progress is needed and welcomed but Ozark’s history runs deep. Making drastic changes to old buildings and historic sites would change the town’s personality.
“We just want to maintain the sanctity of our town, the character of our town,” Hawkins said.
So far, it appears the group is doing what it’s meant to do.
Recently, the group played a role in obtaining a $34,000 grant from the National Park Service for improvements to Venue on Brick, an event facility just off the town square. Another recent grant from American Express and Main Street America is providing $10,000 for GW Coffee House at 116 N. 3rd St.
GW Coffee House owner Spencer Wade worked with Historic River District to apply for the grant to grow and improve the business.
Those grants and others would not be available if not for the Ozark Historic River District. The group falls under the umbrella of the Missouri Main Street Program, part of the National Parks Service Main Street America program.
The accomplishments don’t stop there.
Thanks to other grants, the gazebo on the courthouse lawn was updated and an information kiosk highlighting businesses within the district is in the works.
Wayfinding signage is also being updated and new signs added and new light pole banners are being installed.
Coming soon — thanks to a grant from White River Electric Cooperative — is a unique mural project featuring some of Christian County's historic figures in doorways and windows of businesses in the Historic River District.
The group also dreams of enticing an outfitter to rent canoes and kayaks for use on the Finley River.
“We’re just planting seeds at this point,” said board member Jillian Johnson.
While grants are helping pay for those projects, they often require matching funds, which the group raises through events.
The next event is Cruisin’ the Square on Aug. 3 on the town square. The classic car show will include automotive, food and craft vendors and a homemade pie contest and sale.
Haunted walking tours with storytellers at some of downtown Ozark's historic sites are set for Oct. 12, and Friday Night Lights is Dec. 6-8 with window decorating contests, shopping, local choirs, Christmas lights, Santa Claus, train rides and carriage rides.
For more information about the Historic River District or to get involved, visit https://ozarkhistoricriverdistrict.com/about. The group has four committees — design, promotions, economic vitality and organization — where residents can get involved.
