Debbie Croft: Mariposa is being pulled different directions

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a two-part series.

What would it take to put Mariposa on the map as one of America’s best small towns?

Mariposa is home to gifted artists and artisans as seen in our gift shops and galleries. Talented musicians perform for free on summer weekends at the Art Park.

We have clean air and blue skies. We’re close to whitewater rapids of the Merced River and granite cliffs of the Sierra, where unlimited outdoor adventure awaits.

We’re semi-famous for agriculture, impressive museums, the county fair and our annual festivals celebrating butterflies, barbecue and Zydeco.

There are no stoplights in town, but we have our own airport.

Gold Rush history and small town western charm literally run through our veins.

But something’s missing.

In this two-part series about Mariposa’s economy, I’m attempting to address both sides of the issue – one that is routinely discussed with me.

Mariposa is known as one of Yosemite National Park’s gateway communities. The town has long appealed to retirees looking for a place to settle down, and middle-aged singles or couples ready for a career change.

But sometimes older folks start longing for more job opportunities for their kids. On the other hand, they don’t want much too much to change, because then we might lose our charm.

“So, what’s there to do here?” is a question Michele Linn hears a lot when visitors come into the Top Shoppe.

Linn grew up in Mariposa and works part time at the clothing store. Her family budget benefits from her employee discount.

Since the bowling alley in Oakhurst closed, she’d like one in Mariposa. “And a roller-skating rink,” she says.

Other parents I talked to agree. Yeah, we have things for grownups to do, but what about the kids?

Maybe hot air balloon rides, a butterfly habitat, Frisbee golf, a hands-on science center and/or observatory, a mini amusement park with a giant slide and Ferris wheel, an exploration hiking trail designed as a scavenger hunt, a bike shops with bicycles for rent, slot cars, and more arts and crafts lessons.

When we’re done playing, we’re thirsty and hungry. Give people a memorable dining experience and they’ll come back. Whether it’s pizza and ice cream or fresh-caught, grilled salmon.

How about a dinner theater? Or an artisan bread and cheese company featuring local, fresh, handcrafted products?

When looking at history, early American towns grew when families came and put down roots. Most mining/logging camps and towns built on booze and gambling eventually died. Hornitos is one example.

If Mariposa remains a retirement community, it won’t attract families. Small-scale industry and good schools will. And more places where families can do things together will, as well.

Mariposa relies on tourism, which is great until a major rock slide, wildfire, flood or government shutdown occurs. More residents are seeing the need for a stronger local economy independent of Yosemite.

Most of our businesses are owned by retired couples or individuals who enjoy going home and relaxing in the evenings. But younger owners are thinking creatively to reach more customers.

Merging old and new continues to be one of Mariposa’s bigger hurdles. This tug-of-war happens regularly in every sector: families, businesses, schools, churches, government offices, etc. But when our business owners and county tourism offices find the way to combine established methods based on integrity and experience with innovative ideas, everyone can benefit.

On most Saturday mornings at the Gold Coin Restaurant in downtown Mariposa, a group of visionary individuals meets for coffee and brainstorming at 8:30.

“There’s so much potential here,” folks tell me.

Mariposans know how to work hard. With greater collaboration, ingenuity, and a spirit of hospitality, we’ll see positive changes. And when Mariposa transforms itself into a great place to live, visitors will want what we have, even if it’s just for a weekend.

Our community might just be a few steps away from becoming one of America’s best small towns.

This story was originally published January 16, 2015 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Mariposa is being pulled different directions."