When One Spark hit the streets of Downtown in April, attendees had a perk they hadn’t in the past.
Free Downtown Wi-Fi, a benefit more than 50 cities across the U.S. have.
The Downtown Investment Authority is taking the next step to make that permanent for key areas like Hemming Park, Laura Street and the Elbow entertainment district.
The authority’s board Wednesday approved spending $70,000 this year to further advance the Wi-Fi program after $80,000 was approved in March for infrastructure.
“We’ve got to finish what we started,” said Jim Bailey, DIA board chair.
Between the two approvals came another, related to the trial run for One Spark.
The board approved a $65,000 sponsorship for the annual crowdfunding event that was used to purchase and test additional Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Bailey, publisher of the Daily Record, said the data gathered showed the level of usage and from which devices.
That proved valuable for the city’s Information Technology Department, which will install and maintain the Downtown technology. The DIA board also approved $26,000 for city operation and maintenance.
“We know we need to do this,” said Aundra Wallace, authority CEO.
The goal is part of the organization’s business plan and is “critical to be competitive” with cities across the U.S., Wallace said. Implementing a full-time system will further the attempt to bring a true urban experience and is one that will benefit visitors.
“It’s a sign of a great Downtown,” he said.
Infrastructure for the Wi-Fi program is prioritized, with top spots in and around Hemming Park, along Laura Street and through the Elbow entertainment district. Those are growing areas where visitors will see the most benefit, Wallace said.
However, the current plan doesn’t include the Landing or riverfront — a point of discussion amongst the board. To that end, Wallace and authority staff will return at a future meeting with cost estimates for the program to be extended there.
Marketing the service also was discussed, with the idea to approach urban core businesses like Downtown Vision Inc. to get the word out about the feature.
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