2024 Fall Issue of Urban Land - 97

along Main Street, would make Aberdeen
more accessible and enjoyable. Hosting
cultural events such as art walks, music
festivals, and innovation conferences
would infuse the town with energy and
creativity, and showcase Aberdeen's cultural
richness and diversity.
Encouraging creative entrepreneurship
is another vital element of Aberdeen's
proposed revival. Supporting
small businesses and startups through
incentives and resources can cultivate a
thriving local economy.
" Destination for darkness "
Aberdeen offers more than just affordability
and creative potential; it provides
a rare experience of true quietude-a
precious commodity in today's noisy,
multi-tasking world. Urbanites often pay
a premium for peace and quiet, seeking
refuge from the constant noise and light
pollution of city life. As demand for true
darkness grows, municipalities across
the U.S. are considering ordinances to
reduce light emissions after dark.
Sand Lake and other remote areas
near Aberdeen offer a unique opportunity
to become a " destination for
darkness, " attracting stargazers and
nature enthusiasts. Additionally, the environment,
broken only by wildlife calls,
provides a rare escape from industrialage
noise. Brown County's quiet natural
beauty makes it an ideal destination for
people seeking solitude and a deep connection
with nature.
Incorporating Aberdeen's recreational
offerings into its revitalization strategy
would further enhance its appeal. As the
pheasant hunting capital of the world,
Aberdeen has a unique attraction that
can be leveraged year-round. Beyond
hunting season, the town can host wildlife
conservation events, outdoor expos,
and shooting competitions.
Highlighting Sand Lake National Wildlife
Refuge as a key attraction underscores
Aberdeen's commitment to preserving
natural beauty. The refuge offers
diverse activities, including bird watching,
wildlife observation, and nature photography,
making it a prime destination
for enthusiasts. Aberdeen could easily
capitalize on these interests: organize
annual birding festivals, photography
contests, and guided tours to attract
visitors. Partnering with the refuge for
educational programs on conservation
and biodiversity would promote environmental
stewardship and engage the
community.
The refuge's serene setting is perfect
for hiking, canoeing, and fishing,
with special events such as full moon
hikes or canoe tours enhancing the visitor's
experience. Featuring Sand Lake
in marketing materials alongside other
attractions could position Aberdeen as
an ecofriendly destination. Collaborations
with local businesses to create packages
around refuge events could boost local
commerce and provide a seamless experience.
Embracing
Aberdeen's winter landscape
by promoting snowmobiling,
cross-country skiing, and ice fishing
could make the colder months active
and enjoyable. Developing trails, hosting
winter sports festivals, and offering
rentals and lessons would make winter
activities attractive and accessible for
all ages. Reviving the Aberdeen Pheasants
minor league baseball team could
reignite local pride and offer regular
entertainment and foster community
connections through sports and outreach
programs.
The path forward
Reviving a small town like Aberdeen
takes assembling a diverse team, articulating
a clear vision, establishing goals,
clearing the path of obstacles, understanding
the uniqueness of the location
and culture, and inviting participation.
Collaboration among local government,
educational institutions, businesses,
and community organizations
is key to creating a unified vision for
the town's future. These partnerships
can leverage funding, expertise, and
resources to drive the transformation.
Promoting Aberdeen as a hub for
creativity and innovation through digital
marketing, storytelling, and branding
could attract new residents and visitors.
Highlighting the town's heritage, community,
and opportunities for creative living
can shape this narrative.
Aberdeen's transformation could
serve as a model for other small towns
looking to revitalize their communities in
the 21st century.
Here are two other places that have
used these strategies successfully to turn
their fortunes around.
Ord, Nebraska: Supporting
entrepreneurship
Ord is situated in the scenic North Loup
River Valley, on the eastern edge of the
Nebraska Sandhills, and has a population
of approximately 2,300 residents. The
Aberdeen, South Dakota's lively downtown in the early 1900s could easily be
mistaken for Brooklyn, New York, during the same era.
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INDUSTRY VOICES
R YAN O. OLSON/BEULAH WILLIAMS LIBRARY ARCHIVES
2024 Fall Issue of Urban Land

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