About the Process
The Fremont Area Community Foundation seeks to support the building of the core elements needed for successful preservation and community-led development of the two historic African American resort communities in its service region (Idlewild and Woodland Park).
With resources from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, The Right Place, and MSU Extension, a small community workgroup and third-party consultants embarked on a historic community planning initiative for Idlewild from 2022 to 2023. This is in parallel with the Yates Township Master Planning process.
Together, the team undertook an inclusive and comprehensive approach to:
gather community feedback;
identify potential properties for additional historic markers;
identify areas for preservation, adaptive reuse, and potential future development in keeping with the historic, natural, and local character of Idlewild;
suggest possible governance structures based on the needs and goals of the community;
prepare a report documenting the above work.
Black Lives Matter. Black History Matters.
Preserving and telling the stories of people, places, landscapes, buildings, events, and communities show the richness of African American life, history, and culture.
These stories also tell of African American resilience, achievement, and aspirations that are fundamental to the diverse histories of the nation.
To support long term vitality and livability of African American resort communities like Woodland Park and Idlewild, the best way is to strengthen their historic and natural assets and character that make each community unique.
The goals of this process are thus to:
Highlight the stories, beauty, distinctiveness, and significance of Woodland Park and Idlewild as historic African American places.
Stimulate revitalization and foster interest in the two communities by developing a preservation-based vision for equitable growth that respects the local histories.
Foster broader participation and build momentum towards investing in and restoring more assets, while remaining accessible to diverse communities.