Photos courtesy/Paw Paw District Library
By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
PAW PAW – A new outdoor space will be developed in an empty lot owned by the Paw Paw District Library, according to Paw Paw District Librarian Gretchen Evans.
On Monday, Oct. 13, the Paw Paw Village Council approved the new outdoor space, following an earlier recommendation by the village’s Planning Commission.
In 2019, the library purchased the former Soapy’s Car Wash property with future possibilities in mind, according to Evans. “While our building remains new and welcoming, the pandemic underscored the need for safe, flexible outdoor area – places for story time under the sky, messy crafts, live performances, and community gatherings,” said Evans.
The library partnered with landscape architects at C2AE and sought out community input as “a central part of the design process. Evans said last February, the library hosted a design charrette with 40 residents and collected more feedback from library visitors in July. “Their ideas helped shape the final plan, which features a mini amphitheater, pavilion, walking trails, and more,” said Evans.
According to Evans, the project is “more than just a new space, it is also about connection. We hope it becomes a place where Paw Paw residents of all ages can come together to learn, play, and grow.”
Evans said the transformation is made possible thanks to the generosity of local donors and the careful stewardship of library savings.”
Development is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with a grand opening scheduled for next spring.
