Community improvement ideas for Richmond, Indiana, USA

For some, foraging for edible plants is an exercise in wilderness survival.  For others, its an interesting way to get to know the makeup of our wonderful outdoor resources, get kids excited about being outside, and have a great excuse to tour local parks, woods, and waterways.   A guide to edible plant life in the area could be a great tool for education, tourism, and food buffs.  It could be as simple as a list of edible plants with descriptions and sketches, or a much more comprehensive resource with color photos, that helps users know where to look in which areas around Richmond.

Okay, the idea title is a little cheesy, but bear with me.  The current parking enforcement situation in downtown Richmond is hurting, not helping the community.  The cost of paying for the enforcement officer to give tickets on top of the negative perception and unwelcoming spirit that it creates is not worth whatever minor infractions it might be preventing or ancillary revenue it might be generating.

A place for the community to gather, not associated with any existing group.  Veterans Museum.  The Cardinal Greenway trail public bathrooms, a Gorge Interpretive Center, and bike rental. 

As local author and educator Jean Harper notes well in a recent blog post, the issue of young people becoming parents before they're ready is a serious one that needs critical attention in our community.  Teen pregnancies have a direct impact on the health and well being of our young citizens, on the ability of our education system to be effective, and on many other aspects of community life.