Plaza to support farmers’ market, businesses in Gilman

The Village of Gilman is receiving a $21,876 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to construct a plaza to host the village’s growing farmers’ market and other community events.

The Vibrant Spaces grant program is designed to help cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and attract future residents. Through this grant program, communities across the state of Wisconsin will be investing in their workforce attraction and small business development by creating inviting, walkable spaces in their downtowns, gateway districts and economic centers.

“Investing in vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and raise families is critical to attracting and retaining workers in our state,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “These grants will help communities create new gathering places in thriving downtowns to draw in residents, visitors, new businesses and investments.”

The Village of Gilman’s farmers’ market began in 2022 and was held in a local gas station parking lot. To accommodate the market and create an accessible public space in the downtown, the Village of Gilman wanted to build farmers’ market plaza located centrally near the local public library. The site includes a new patio, accessible sidewalks, outdoor seating, vibrant landscaping, and public signage made by the local high school teched program. Additionally, the plaza will provide an event venue and social space for visitors year-round.