By Becky Holland
The Cochran Downtown Development Authority has a full slate of plans aimed at bringing new energy to the city’s downtown—from a family-focused spring event to long-term revitalization projects.
DDA Director Ken Land said one of the most immediate opportunities for the community to get involved is Downtown Day, set for April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We are really wanting to celebrate our community through a family-friendly event,” Land said.
Now in its second year, Downtown Day will include inflatables, vendors and live performances at a small venue near where the Mule Barn (Outdoors)used to be. The event will also feature a partnership with Cochran’s Primary and Elementary schools through a creative art contest.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will participate, with one boy and one girl selected as winners from each grade level. Their artwork will then become part of a downtown scavenger hunt during the event.
“The kids will need to go into participating locations and ask businesses which name is the winner,” Land said. “No students will know who won beforehand.”
Completed scavenger hunts will be entered into a drawing, with a winner announced at the schools the following week. Trophies for the art contest winners will also be awarded after the event.
Downtown Day will follow Cochran’s Cleanup Day, scheduled earlier that morning from 9 to 11 a.m.
“It kind of piggybacks off the cleanup effort,” Land said. “We want it to feel like a spring fling for the whole community.”
Beyond events, the DDA is also focused on long-term improvements to the downtown district.
Over the past year, the DDA has partnered with the City of Cochran on a revitalization project funded through TSPLOST. The project is expected to begin in early May and be completed by September.
“This project will give our downtown a refresh that is needed,” Land said. “We’re looking at improvements to roadways and crosswalks.”
Additional upgrades will include restriping, pressure washing and improved lighting throughout the downtown area.
The DDA is also partnering with the University of Georgia through the Connected Resilient Communities program, part of UGA’s Archway Partnership.
“The CRC program allows faculty, staff and students from UGA to come alongside our leadership to help complete projects we may not have the manpower or bandwidth to do on our own,” Land said.
The partnership will focus on three projects over the next 12 to 18 months, with an initial “Discovery Day” meeting set for April 15 to determine priorities.
“They work alongside the city and county to develop creative solutions to issues we bring to the table,” Land said.
As the DDA moves forward with both events and infrastructure improvements, Land said the goal remains simple—continue building a downtown that serves and reflects the Cochran community.
“We hope to see these efforts grow year after year,” he said.
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