Dog Therapy Club Gatherings

Idea:

Perhaps small tables set up along the wall near the music area with therapy dogs and their trainers. This could be a monthly event at Mill No. 5 – or elsewhere.

Benefit:

Encourage therapy dog visits to Lowell destinations; Colleges, homeless shelters, and park dwellers – etc. All dogs are therapy dogs, and therapy dogs are especially therapeutic!

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Domestic Violence Survivor Gallery of Hope

Idea:

Basics: How do we bring attention to a domestic violence survivor’s (who are POC/LGBTQ+/Immigrant/Refugee) journey towards healing and hopefulness? How do we get people to learn more about this widespread yet still private issue? How do we get the public to 1) learn 2) to feel empathy 3) to feel inspired enough to organize around [Read more…]

Benefit:

Survivors: POC Survivors get to share their story of hope. The community has a chance to learn about domestic violence as well as what resources are available. City/Neighborhood: Maybe in future years, we could have the project be a way to gather funds to revive these spaces in Lowell as [Read more…]

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Downtown Lowell Architectural Walk for Kids

Idea:

Architectural Walk focused on teaching kids 8-12 about the architecture of their city, encouraging them to look up and notice detail.

Benefit:

Kids will gain a new appreciation of the history and beauty of Lowell.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Downtown “Roadside” Stands

Idea:

During events or other times, create stands on street corners like the vegetable or craft stands in the country where people use the “honor system” and can donate to a bin and take an item. Community members can watch to make sure someone doesn’t steal all the items for sale.

Benefit:

Locals could sell flowers, crafts, or try out some new idea without having to stand on the corner all day.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Drop In Dog Training

Idea:

We want to keep pets in homes, sometimes they’re surrendered because they don’t have manners. Get some positive reinforcement dog trainers OR skilled dog handlers from area rescues together who are willing to offer a free hour once a week and teach basic manners. Drop in training at a park or other outdoor community space [Read more…]

Benefit:

More well behaved dogs in the community is better for everyone! Improves public safety and may limit dogs "at large" which cost the city money in holding fees while they try to find their owners. Offer a 4 class workshop and move on to a new neighborhood each month!

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Drunk History Lowell Edition

Idea:

The passage of time often has a way of rewriting history. So does a few drinks. The half-hour series “Drunk History” — based on the award-winning web series — shows how by re-enacting famous events in history as told by inebriated storytellers. Each episode takes a tour of a U.S. city to explore stories and [Read more…]

Benefit:

Get folks interested in local history and different Lowell locations that wouldn't normally be interested. Draw attention to the stories that make Lowell and New England special.

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Dutton St Do-Over

Idea:

Construct a weekend curb extension at the corner of Dutton and Market streets in front of the old Merrimack Rug/new Flower Mill. Allow on-street parking from the Club Diner to the curb extension and from Haffner’s to the corner of Dutton and Broadway Street.

Benefit:

This will slow down the speeds of cars and shorten the distance for pedestrians when crossing Dutton Street, making it more safe. Allowing on-street parking will be a boon for those businesses on Dutton St. Businesses on both sides of Dutton St will see that "bridging" the neighborhood is mutually [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Early Bird Walking Series

Idea:

An early bird walking series for exercise that starts at City Hall and does tours in different sections of the City and along the Riverwalk, past places to shop, or other interesting tours.

Benefit:

Provide a fun way for senior citizens, folks with disabilities, and the community at large to meet and explore Lowell.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Water Fun Eco Fountain

Idea:

A decorative spray station/fountain set up downtown. We would work with health department to make sure it’s safe and fun. This would be like the stations set up during folk festival, but more aesthetically pleasing to be a focal point, and open to anyone who wants to cool off for certain weekends or weekdays while [Read more…]

Benefit:

Kids always want to play in fountains. This would create a central gathering point and celebrate the City in an eco-friendly way. Kids and adults can cool off on a very hot day. Lessons learned could be applied to a permanent splash pad in a downtown plaza or park.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.