What Is Community Development?

Community development is about creating public spaces and services that improve our quality of life. This includes projects like parks and recreation, schools, housing, environmental initiatives, transportation, healthcare, and safety services. This is done by promoting community-wide collaboration and ensuring that everyone has a say in the process. While these projects may not directly generate tax revenue, they play a vital role in making the community a better place to live.

 

In Seneca County

In 2020, the Tiffin City Council and Seneca County Commissioners finalized and approved the Multi-Jurisdictional Comprehensive Plan. This plan outlined a vision for future development across four main areas: Seneca County, the Seneca County Parks District, Tiffin, and Fostoria.The decision to create a unified plan stemmed from the partners' recognition of the value of collaboration. The group established integrated goals that would be more likely to be achieved if they worked together.

 

Community Parks & Facilities

Parks and outdoor recreational spaces are essential for community development. Parks help enhance quality of life and promote social connections. They offer accessible spaces for physical activity, foster community engagement through events, increase community health and wellness, and boost local economies by attracting visitors. This is why the Seneca County Parks District was chosen as an area of focus in the 2020 Multi-Jurisdictional Plan. By investing in these areas, communities can create vibrant and inclusive outdoor spaces that everyone can benefit from.

Seneca County is home to many parks and shelters that are available for your enjoyment! Below is a list of parks and shelters located throughout the county.

 

Community Beautification & Revitalization

Another aspect of community development is the beautification and revitalization of the downtown area. Residents are more likely to take pride in and enjoy living in a community that is aesthetically pleasing and offers a variety of activities. This not only fosters a strong sense of community pride but also enhances overall resident satisfaction.

Additionally, revitalizing a community can make it more appealing to potential businesses and residents looking to relocate or establish themselves. This influx of new investment contributes to economic growth, benefiting the entire community.

Here locally, Downtown Tiffin is the organization that carries out this process. Founded in 2014, Downtown Tiffin hosts a wide variety of events that attract thousands to downtown each month. It also helps spur economic growth by working with businesses that want to expand or relocate to the downtown area. 

These factors combine to help grow the community and continue to create a Tiffin that works for everyone.

Downtown Studies: Downtown Tiffin Strategic Growth and Development Plan (2016)

Outside of downtown, TSEP works closely with city and county officials to create this growth across the city and throughout Seneca County.

 

Community Event Calendar

Community Resources

Community Reports/Analysis

Questions?

Contact our Community Development Coordinator: Noah Paris (paris@tiffinseneca.org)

Community event