For nearly 20 years I have watched Westfield Indiana try to find its modern-day identity and become relevant for future generations, but until 2025 it just never seemed possible. In recent months we have heard the culmination of 2 years of hard charging redevelopment plans by Mayor Scott Willis that includes an expanded Grand Park, a big push for downtown mixed-use projects with parking and the vision to develop “village like Marketplaces” around the city. This is exciting for those of us that have championed growth and amenities, especially the some 40,000 people that have moved here in recent years with hopes of a thriving Westfield. In those same 20 years I have watched a small group of longtime committed residents dig their heals in and at every announcement of growth repeat the disappointment in change. They have a wonderful memory of Westfield in simpler times and small-town feel, that just isn’t coming back. Not only is it not coming back, but it has also been going since we moved here in 2005. It can’t be easy watching those memories disappear and I appreciate that.
Today I think it is time we reinvest our personal ties and memories and support what is an inevitable transformation. I don’t think everyone has to love everything but what if we looked at it from a new small family’s perspective or a new restaurant moving to town. What if we looked at it from the Parks department or company looking to relocates vantage point and try to support the greater cause? While many do not like their soda shop gone or miss a downtown of only homes, their kids and grandkids typically do enjoy the new. Let’s take Grand Park for instance. I don’t know a single youth athlete that doesn’t have excitement in knowing that their fields are world class and they get to play in the country’s best youth sports facility. When we visit other soccer fields, they are many times just fields and not as impressive, leading us to have pride in having a top facility in our hometown. What about Grand Junction Plaza? The place is filled with kids and their parents enjoying special events with ready to serve vendors several nights a week. And what about creating new memories in one of the downtown businesses that are striving to be relevant and support their staff and families. I can think of a half dozen family friendly places that deserve support. No, we don’t have Picketts Sunday Fried Chicken and you have to go to Sheridan to grab some hardware, but we have a lot of other great things to offer that only come with development and progress.
But for a small group to continually bash and demonize a large group that just want a fun place to live and play, it seems like a great time to show support. We are not looking to wipe out what once was and I think the city and historical society do a great job of recognizing the historic value but it is also time to let a new generation or two enjoy their hometown and support new opportunity. For generations Westfield has struggled to create a reason for graduates to stick around but today we are seeing ways for them to rent an apartment, buy a house, work and raise a family right where they grew up, all while expanding on a historically strong community with new development. I am excited for what people preserve and protect 100 years from now in Westfield as developers and leadership have worked so hard to create sustainable projects in the downtown. I also look forward to walking around downtown with my grandkids and our friends’ grandkids enjoying what only progress and growth can bring. As someone that doesn’t really have roots somewhere I am blessed to have found a place like Westfield Indiana to raise kids and have them continue to call this their hometown. Now I just want them to have a way to stay here. #bestfield