One plan for a vibrant, prosperous Fountain Hills:

1. Make it our top priority to keep Fountain Park and the lake pristine. Replace dilapidated benches; clean up the lake water so it doesn’t smell; modernize pump and electrical equipment as necessary to keep our namesake fountain and park in tip-top shape.

2. Support the FHUSD to ensure that our schools are among the finest in the state. Behave like a magnet school for science, math and language arts. Nothing will attract young families to our town like top-rated schools.

3. Support the group that is working to bring in an aquatic center. This could be a draw for families, particularly those with children who swim competitively. And it would benefit every age group in town.

4. Create a boutique conference and arts center that would draw, for example, medical conferences, dance, music (similar to Mesa Arts Center). The new owner at CopperWynd is on this track. He wants to build a world-class resort and spa; work cooperatively and creatively with him!

5. Establish The Fountain Arts District modeled on what Asheville, NC (another small town) has done successfully with The River Arts District; more than 200 artists in working studios spread along a one-mile stretch of the French Broad River. Imagine our downtown full of working artist studios, galleries and cafes where people can find that special piece of art, watch live demonstrations, participate in workshops, grab a bite of lunch or a brew and stroll around the lake.

In a decade, we could become Arizona’s Asheville; a perfect day’s outing for Valley residents and visitors alike and a delight for folks attending conferences at the world-class CopperWynd.

What would it take? Probably public/private partnership. Definitely creative thinking. I believe we could do it.