Support For Downtown Hillsboro Businesses Is 'Lighting Up'

Hillsboro OR

21 October, 2021

9:33 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Hillsboro: October 18, 2021 The City of Hillsboro's ongoing work to encourage community support for local businesses is electrifying. Enhanced winter lighting will gradually launch around Downtown Hillsboro's Cultural Arts District over the coming weeks in these five areas: 10th Avenue: Twinkle lights will outline the façades of 20 buildings between the Hillsboro Police Department's Main Station and the Shute Park campus, including SHARC and the Shute Park Library. Shute Park campus: Multi-colored lights will decorate Shute Park's stage and surrounding trees. The Historic Downtown Core: Twinkle lights will light up approximately 20 trees. M & M Marketplace: Lights will decorate the marketplace's roofline and outdoor murals. Hillsboro Civic Center: Large-scale, freestanding holiday decorations atop the awning of the Civic Center will light up the building's entry way. Lights on for local businesses The expanded lighting is a collaboration between the City of Hillsboro Economic Development Department and the Hillsboro Cultural Arts District – part of the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department. The project builds on earlier roofline lighting along Main Street by the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, as well as community feedback from Hillsboro business owners and Downtown supporters who asked City staff for enhanced lighting in the area. Spread across Downtown Hillsboro's Cultural Arts District, the modern LED lighting will help accomplish several City goals to: create a more welcoming environment help community members stay connected during the winter months increase visibility at night encourage shopping, dining, and support for local businesses lift spirits during COVID-19 while respecting health and safety protocols Funding for the lighting project comes from the American Rescue Plan. The Hillsboro-owned company that installs lights for the annual Lightopia event at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex is also installing enhanced winter lighting in Downtown Hillsboro. The enhanced lighting arrives as M & M Marketplace marks its 21st anniversary of business in Hillsboro. The popular community gathering spot could not celebrate its 20th anniversary last year due to COVID-19. This year, M & M vendors are celebrating with activities on the weekends. This press release was produced by the City of Hillsboro. The views expressed here are the author's own.