functionality, and economic expansion,” says Ann Harper, Economic Development Director for the City of Millbrook.“We’re making all sorts of improvements in infrastructure, amenities and overall quality of life. One of the things we are working on is balancing our growth with preserving our community character and what we refer to as our small-town charm.” The city’s strategy emphasizes family-oriented amenities, particularly in its municipal park system. The crown jewel among its six public parks is the Village Green, which serves as the community’s primary gathering spot for festivals and other events. In recent years, the city created a new position – Cultural Arts and Special Events Director – to cultivate programming that brings residents together in these spaces. “Millbrook is a bedroom community” notes Michael Gay, President of the City Council. “We strive very hard to maintain quality of life here. Montgomery is our closest major city, and we have many military people, civil service, and State of Alabama workers that make the short commute, which is less than 10 minutes. We try to keep a very good quality of life for our residents, taking pride in our parks and recreational opportunities.” CREATING A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN Unlike many historic Alabama communities that evolved around established town squares, Millbrook faces the unique challenge of designing its downtown core from the ground up. The city’s formation along the intersection of two state highways has shaped its development approach. “Downtown is the next focus area for the city,” explains Gay. “We have been working on planning and building a downtown. In the meantime, we have improved the Village Green Park, upgraded our customized playground, and built a new park called Minnie Massey Park. Our city hall is now a focal point across the street from the Village Green Park. Down the street is our economic development center, which at one time served as City Hall. We have repurposed the building and now it serves as our home base to promote business and community growth.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 MILLBROOK, AL
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