While it's true that Sanibel has an international reputation and that folks from all across the country and around the world flock here in the winter to enjoy our beaches, collect shells, watch birds and soak up the cultural offerings, the reality is we're really just a small town. Year round less than 6,000 of us call this island home, and over time you come to recognize most everybody. You go to a restaurant for dinner, and you always see folks you know. You stand in line in the grocery store, and you very well may meet up with a neighbor.
Small towns don't always do community very well. And Sanibel has it's shortcomings on that front, I'm sure. But this past weekend a new Welcome Center for cyclists and others exploring the island was dedicated on Periwinkle Way that exemplifies community at its best.
Because of the almost twenty-three miles of bike paths (called shared use paths here on Sanibel) we host a lot of cyclists. The Welcome Center is not only a place to get out of the sun and get a drink of water, but also sports a fair amount of helpful information. And that's all well and good. But what made it an example of the power of community was how it was built, how it was funded, how it was planned. The land was donated by a private citizen. Many of the supplies were donated by local businesses. Much of the labor and oversight were provided by the local bike club and a volunteer group of builders known as the Hammerheads (don't you just love it?). The civic groups in town chipped in. The garden club helped with the landscaping. Professionals helped create the signs. Local environmental groups lent their expertise. The city provided all sorts of mulch for the grounds. And the list goes on! The public sector helped out. Private citizens participated. Not-for-profit groups were a part of it. And commercial enterprises pitched in as well. And as a result there is now a spot for those who visit Sanibel to be informed and refreshed.
OK, you're saying, it's just a Welcome Center--just a hut beside the road. And so it is. But it is also a powerful symbol of what can be accomplished if all of us are willing to be responsible, participating members of the community. Imagine what else could be done if this public, private, not-for-profit, commercial model were used to address some of the bigger issues and concerns we all face?
Well done Sanibel! So what's next?
(Photo Credit: Tom Sharbaugh)
It's not so much that I wanted to comment on the new cyclist welcome center on Periwinkle, but to acknowledge I have become a reader of these blogs and truly appreciate the thoughts expressed. Although I am not a UCC member I found the recent comparative religion series to be excellent and look forward to attending future lectures. Thank you for the time and effort you, Rev. Danner, put into preparing and presenting these classes.
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