Survey Says!
PRYOR – While most Pryor residents feel safe and comfortable when spending time downtown, walking in the area is another matter.
While 77 percent of respondents to a recent survey reported feeling safe downtown, about 1 in 3 “did not feel they could safely cross the street downtown without having to hurry.”
Pryor Main Street collected 215 online and paper survey responses during a two-week period in April. The survey sought public input on why people visit downtown, what they like most about the district, and what aspects need improvement.
“We really want residents and visitors alike to walk around downtown Pryor often, to support our businesses, and to simply enjoy the experience of being here,” said Merideth Olson, Marketing Director for Pryor Main Street. “This survey tells us what people want and need downtown to make that happen.”
Pryor Main Street worked with the TSET Healthy Living Program serving Mayes County, the OU Institute of Quality Communities, and the OU College of Public Health in delivering the survey and evaluating its results.
With survey information in hand, Pryor Main Street plans to utilize these results for downtown revitalization using the 4-point Main Street approach: economic vitality, design, promotions and organization.
The most positive aspects of Pryor’s downtown area are its overall safety (77 percent agreement) and that it “appears clean and free of debris,” with 66 percent agreement. Also, more than 60 percent of respondents visit downtown regularly, either weekly (32 percent) or daily (30 percent).
At 73 percent, the overwhelmingly most popular reason for going downtown is for retail shopping. The second-biggest attraction is restaurants, at 40 percent, followed closely by the Dollar General store and municipal offices.
Positive descriptions of downtown from respondents included “old-town charm” and that it has “a hometown feel.”
However, two-thirds of respondents said the downtown area does not look attractive and inviting, and about 3 of every 4 said the area lacks enough places to sit. Some 78 percent said downtown lacks enough seating options along sidewalks and 73 percent said more places are needed to sit, whether in the sun or the shade.
The survey revealed four main aspects in need of improvement:
Buildings in need of updating, restoration and/or occupation
A lack of attractive spaces
Pedestrian safety and street improvements
More shopping and retail
One person who described downtown as “ugly and abandoned” summarized in one comment what others collectively suggested.
“We need the tin on the buildings brought down and restore the original brick,” the person commented. “We need trees and clear parking lines. We need more retail and restaurants!”
Despite the areas for improvement, a number of respondents expressed optimism for downtown. Olson said about one-third of people who stated criticisms also offered solutions.
“I can see improvement happening,” one person commented. “Hopefully, it will give our community something to look forward to.”
Another respondent described downtown Pryor as “at the moment, outdated. But I know the future is bright!”
