What do the city hall courtyard, Instagram and economic development have in common? In my view, it’s a sense of place and a selfie station, away from bringing residents and visitors to historic uptown Westerville for novel entertainment and family-friendly experiences.

An active and attractive courtyard is also part of our administrative vision to connect and engage residents with uptown in new and ongoing ways. And, an “authentic and alive uptown” is one of the city’s strategic priorities.

Starting last December with an expanded tree-lighting celebration to graduation season’s installation of the “2022” sign, programming is focused on making the courtyard a destination. Selfies are popular, and with a camera in everyone’s pocket, the spot and its events are getting some deserved attention.

The city hall courtyard was renovated about seven years ago, transforming the space from a mega-size central planter with limited seating to a true public gathering space. At that time, it was called the City Hall Civic Green project, bringing a public park and performance space to the heart of uptown Westerville. The project was a continuation of the landscape improvements and via project, which began in 2015 with the reconstruction of the city hall parking lot.

The courtyard was made complete with the privately commissioned Matthew Gray Palmer sculpture, “American Issue,” which tells the story of Westerville’s role in Prohibition. The public art and water feature regularly attracts visitors, and the programming keeps people nearby to experience the shops and food specialties of uptown.

Music has been a key to that strategy, with a Saturday night concert series headlining summer weekends through Oct. 1. Swing, ragtime and acoustic performances are all ahead (see westerville.org/events). Concerts are free and start at 7 p.m.

Coming soon, the first-ever Arcade Night will “pop up” in the courtyard for friends- and family-friendly fun. The outdoor event begins Saturday, Aug. 20, from 7-10 p.m. and features the classics, including Pac-Man, Tetris, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Super Mario and Pinball. (Machines will be placed along the city hall via, the walkway that curves around the north side of the building, while local band “The Select Phaze” plays vintage and classic rock covers. Whether you grew up in the Atari or Nintendo era, there will be something for all to appreciate.)

In this case, arcade machines may be the tactic, but the strategy is keeping uptown vibrant and lively. Programming combined with ongoing private investment (DiCarlo’s Pizza, Fattey Beer, CoHATCH and Sugarbees Confections to name a few) is part of Westerville’s work to keep foot traffic in uptown throughout the year.

All of this is in addition to the fine work Uptown Westerville Inc. does each season with Fourth Fridays, the Saturday farmer’s market and other special events. Their events bring thousands to uptown, a blend of residents and visitors who continue to invest and explore the district. You can keep up with the work they're doing by visiting uptownwestervilleinc.com.

What would you like to see in the courtyard in the future? Tell us at communityaffairs@westerville.org, and your idea could become the next selfie background, art installation or fun special event, all for the purpose of keeping uptown a place you want to be.

Jason Bechtold is the assistant city manager of Westerville.