The question is simple: What do you want to see for Gilman?

The future of Gilman is literally up to its residents as they have a say in what they think needs to happen in their community. A special Design Gilman event is planned for Friday, Oct. 11, from 4:30-7 p.m., at Celebration Hall on Main Street, with the public invited to share ideas and thoughts on the future of their town.

By collaborating with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, who will lead the discussion, the Village of Gilman and School District of Gilman are working toward that goal. This isn’t new, as in 2022, the school started a process of developing a Community Strategic Plan, where they looked at goals to strive for, both as a school and as the community.

Those specific actions to put plans in place led to this event. Out of the original discussions, three goals emerged: to develop a vibrant Main Street; increase community engagement and volunteerism; and embrace the quality of life possible in a rural community.

“The Design Gilman event is really giving us an opportunity to really look at what does make our community great and a great place to live,” said Gilman School District administrator Wally Leipart.

Before the public gathering takes place, the Extension group will meet with 10 community members to hear their ideas, as well as focus groups with senior citizens, business owners and the younger generation to have a voice, along with a tour of the community. In that time, Gilman residents can share what’s good and what needs to be changed.

“Maybe even something that they don’t like,” said Leipart.

That leads up to the open tailgating party and community workshop Friday night, which features a free meal served at 4:30 p.m. People do need to register for a head count since space is limited to 200 people. Reservation tickets can be obtained at the village hall or school.

The program begins at 5 p.m., where the community can voice their thoughts to the Extension group.

“We really encourage people to come,” said Leipart.

The next night, Saturday, Oct. 12, the Extension is back from 7-8:30 p.m. at the school, with no registration required for community members to attend.

“They’re going to take in all that feedback and then they’re actually going to draw out conceptual designs,” said Leipart.

By doing all this, it’s the plan of Gilman going forward, to see how to get individuals engaged and volunteering in the community. This isn’t the first time or place something like this event has happened, as other communities have taken the information collected from the design program and improved upon something in their community.

“So, this is a tried and true model that has been used in Wisconsin, for quite a few years now,” said Leipart. “And there are a lot of success stories across the state, that by having this event, it engages individuals to be part of the conversation and provides a framework for real solutions, that can be achieved in a short period of time.”