KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Officials with the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership (KDP) announced Tuesday that the Downtown Kalamazoo Program launched on Monday.
Officials say the purpose of the program is to clean downtown’s public spaces and serve as a resource for visitors downtown.
“We are excited to launch this program in downtown Kalamazoo. In numerous successful downtowns and business districts across the country and around the globe, we see how ambassador programs are providing critical cleaning, sanitization, and public space maintenance in response to the pandemic,” KDP President Andrew Haan said in a statement. “A clean, safe, and welcoming downtown will continue to be vital to our success as we move beyond the pandemic and continue our work of ensuring downtown is the thriving, active heart of our community.”
Officials say the Downtown Ambassador Program, managed by Block by Block, was created as a direct result of the growing downtown area and the needs of the community.
The program will provide a direct, accessible connection seven days a week to meet cleaning and hospitality needs as the district continues to attract new businesses, residents and visitors.
Ambassadors will engage in services ranging from daily cleaning services such as the following:
- emptying trash,
Downtown Kalamazoo’s Ambassador Program. (Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership).
- sweeping sidewalks,
- power washing walkways,
- seasonal leaf/snow removal,
- hospitality and outreach services including
- providing directions to visitors,
- developing relationships with local businesses, and
- supporting downtown events and programs.
In the first two weeks of the program, ambassadors will conduct a “cleaning blitz” of the district, which includes removing graffiti, sweeping curb lines to remove
banked leaves and power washing the most needed areas.
All program ambassadors, whether specializing in cleaning or hospitality, will be trained in providing customer service while observing appropriate physical distancing and safety protocols, according to officials.
The team of 5 ambassadors, recognizable by their vibrant blue and grey uniforms, will be on foot, bikes, and in a designated vehicle, giving them the ability to provide service and outreach in downtown where needed.
Ambassadors will begin operations at 7 a.m. seven days a week, and serve downtown as late as 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Comments