Response to info dot trial ‘really positive'
A series of "Did You Know" circles on and around King Edward St share stories from South Dunedin's past.
Dream South D project lead Rosie Hill said the dots, installed in June as a temporary trial, had been well-received.
"The reception and the feedback has been really positive."
Anecdotal feedback suggests people enjoyed the markers and they have sparked local discussion.
A local walking group used the online map on Dream South D's page to visit every marker.
"I think the nicest feedback from that was that it had sparked off a lot of stories and people sharing their memories of the area."
The short histories range from Chinese settlers who ran market gardens in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to profiles of retail stalwart Alex Campbell Menswear and architectural landmarks such as the Mayfair Theatre and St Patrick's Basilica.
Dream South D is now opening the initiative to public submissions.
"We are just trying to spread the message as wide as possible, working with schools and different groups."
The initial panels focused on post-European settlement stories, but the plan is to expand them to include Māori history.
"We will be in touch with mana whenua and make sure that is represented in an appropriate way."
Submissions remain open until the end of November and the group aims to add new markers next year.
"It will be interesting to see what comes in really and then we will produce a bunch more," Mrs Hill said.
How the project evolves remains open-ended.
"Whether we, for example, create a physical map or look at doing like an app with specific walking trails.
"Maybe a little booklet or a resource that is left for the community."
Dream South D is a five-year project funded by the Department of Internal Affairs — Te Tari Taiwhenua as part of its community-led development programme.
Other projects planned by the organisation include a children's sports-gear swap and barbecue on Saturday, September 13, at King's High School.
The organisation is also relaunching the South Dunedin Busking Festival.
The event, organised by Nick Orbell and Craig Waterhouse, ran from 2017 to 2019.
With their blessing, Dream South D plans to relaunch the festival.
"They have been insanely generous and shared all of their previous information, which is wonderful."
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 11am-2pm, in King Edward St, to coincide with the Southern Heritage Trust's Heritage Festival.
The Southern Heritage Trust and other committed community members would help organise the event, Mrs Hill said.
• To contribute a "dots" submission, email hello@dreamsouthd.org.nz
sam.henderson@thestar.co.nz
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