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PICKENS—The City of Pickens is involved in an aggressive improvement plan that officials are hoping will develop the city’s infrastructure, recreation, and family entertainment.

The 2012-2013 Budget covers a wide variety of city improvement plans.

The current and near future project list includes everything from a $4.5 million Water Plant upgrade to a downtown park and amphitheatre.

The city plans on upgrading aspects of its infrastructure, but has also put an emphasis on the improvement and revitalization of downtown.

“Main Street is the heart of the city. If that dies, you have nothing, and the entire city council shares the same vision. We have used creative financing for the benefit of the city and the people who live here,” said City Administrator Katherine Brackett.

Mayor David Owens says he the city is set on the development plan and how improvements can benefit the residents of Pickens.

“We don’t want people leaving Pickens. We want our citizens to have a place to shop, to eat, and to enjoy our city,” said Owens.

The City of Pickens has partnered with the Pickens Revitalization Association (PRA) to create several events throughout the year. One event will feature a Founders Day in September that will host music, games, and a month long series of events that will culminate with a downtown ice skating rink during the week before Christmas.

“We want to help establish Pickens as a destination”, said Kristen Henry, Executive Director of PRA.

Development projects like the downtown amphitheatre and the Façade Grant Program are intended to not only enhance the downtown, but also to revitalize it as a meeting place for both visitors and the residents of Pickens.

The Façade Grant Program will supply financial support for business and commercial property owners along Main Street in downtown.

The city of Pickens has set aside grants for businesses that qualify. The qualifications are still being developed, but there will be an application and approval process.

City Council will meet again on July, 16, where they will vote on the next step of significant city development projects like the amphitheatre and the Façade Grant Program.