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Written by PI Editorial Staff
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Saturday, 23 February 2008 |
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City has much to be proud of
Ringing cowbells and the smack of thunder sticks augmented the cheers of thousands of children, creating an atmosphere Wednesday that few will likely forget.
Patterson previously may not have been known as a city of bike racing fans, but virtually everyone in town got into the spirit this week to check out the world-class racers involved in the Amgen Tour of California.
It was a privilege for the city to be a part of this internationally renowned event, and it seemed most negative impacts to Del Puerto Canyon residents were at a minimum.
Kudos should go to the Patterson Parks and Recreation Department and the Amgen Tour of California for getting local youth involved.
Though the tour is slated to change each year, it would be wonderful if our area was selected for another stage ride-through.
In the meantime, the tour can serve as a lesson that Patterson can be a major destination spot with the right event. After all, people came from as far away as Fresno to check out the action downtown.
As speakers at the Stanislaus Regional Tourism Roundtable’s Winter Forum in Oakdale stressed this week, tourism can mean big money, and Patterson has much to tout.
After all, what other city lays claim to being the apricot capital of the world?
In many ways, Patterson has much going for it. For example, it is nestled next to Del Puerto Canyon, home of the scenic Frank Raines Park and Minnear Day Use Area. While residents should be discouraged from trespassing on private property in that area, increased use of the county-owned parks would be a good thing.
The city also has a BMX park that attracts residents from miles away, and its rocketry in the park events and Patterson Repertory Theatre productions also are a big draw. Stewart & Jasper’s gift shop and wine store on the west side of town is another nice recent addition, and its proximity to Interstate 5 makes locally produced goodies available to passers-by.
And while the developing community of Diablo Grande appears to be in a financial slump these days, its renowned golf courses have attracted Bay Area residents even before the access road from Sperry Avenue was built.
There is much to be proud of in Patterson, and the city should not be afraid to show it. City leaders should make a concerted effort to work with local merchants to make this a place where people wish to stay.
One area that needs work is the downtown, which is plagued with a huge vacancy rate, dirty and cracked sidewalks and few stores that would draw people from other areas.
With a common vision, there is an opportunity to make this a community that not only rakes in sales tax dollars, leading to increased city services, but also is a fun place to live.
This city has much to offer. The community just needs to display some creativity and show off our stuff.
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