Blue Island Posts a Preserve America Success
Preserve America, a grant program launched by First Lady Laura Bush and managed by the National Park Service, has been an unbridled success in Blue Island. This unique program provided the funding to create public-private partnerships that built on history and culture as economic development fundamentals, creating opportunities to promote heritage tourism as a model for stronger communities.
Blue Island launched its Preserve America grant with a call to define our “brand,” creating a logo and tagline - Think Outside the Loop - that will guide our marketing efforts. “Think Outside the Loop” is a terrific fit for who we are and what we do. Blue Island is a creative, independent, and diverse community. We welcome all who want to experience what we have to offer.
Designer and artist Kevin Jones was invited to interpret six themes or “niches” that Preserve America has helped develop.
“Think Heritage”
Explore railroad history, a century of architecture, and the footprint of industry. Blue Island invites you to Think Heritage.
“Think Culture”
Picture diverse neighborhoods, a vibrant arts scene, and engaging cultural programs. Blue Island invites to to Think Culture.
“Think Local”
Discover homegrown foods, authentic restaurants, and family-run businesses. Blue Island invites you to Think Local.
“Think Play”
Enjoy miles of trails, sports and leisure, and outdoor recreation. Blue Island invites you to Think Play.
“Think Green”
Envision tree-lined streets, a transit-oriented community, and a sustainable future. Blue Island invites you to Think Green.
“Think Blue”
Imagine picturesque waterfalls, native landscapes, and leisurely waterways. Blue Island invites you to Think Blue.
So spread the word… tell friends, family, even strangers, it’s time they started thinking about Blue Island!
Thanks to all who supported Preserve America. We were fortunate to work with a number of “Think Local” businesses, including James Street Associates, GL Studios, Franklin Framing, Colyer Signs, and Folgers Flags. Many more “Think Local” businesses, such as Carr Gardens, Shawn Michelle’s, Tenochtitlan, Ultra Foods, Aldi, Darling, Calumet Park Troublemakers, and MetroSouth Medical Center all donated to the grant, helping us meet our matching fund goal. Please support all of our community-minded businesses. We’d like to share a special thanks from the City of Blue Island to Kathryn Warnes at the National Park Service for all her help and support.
Blue Island Building on Preserve America
The City of Blue Island’s Preserve America grant came to a close in October, 2011. The final few months saw a rush of activity. We believe Preserve America will bring new visitors to our community, to “explore and enjoy our heritage.”
We’re most excited about our new visitors guide, completed with James Street Associates. This 28 page brochure introduces visitors to all the highlights and out-of-the-way gems that makes Blue Island such a special place to live and work. Building on the branding that was introduced last year, the guide offers visitors a local perspective on architecture, shopping, dining, recreation, and the history of our community. The Community Development Department also purchased advertising in the annual Chicago Southland visitors guide and is looking at including online advertising to promote tourism in Blue Island.
The City also wrapped a wayfinding signage plan - a first for Blue Island - that will help visitors navigate our town, guiding them to important destinations. Working with Colyer Sign, expect to see these installed soon. We are also expanding our identity program and with Folgers Flag will soon have new banners installed, proudly showing off Blue Island’s new look.
Lastly, Community Relations is working with a web designer to update the City’s website and roll out a new visitors site. The redesign will streamline navigation and include areas targeting heritage tourism. An improved online presence will be a benefit to residents and visitors alike.
Thanks to all for the support for Preserve America over the past two years.
