Natick in 'Final Stages' of Joining State Cultural District Program

Natick is one of three Massachusetts towns in the final stages of securing a spot in a state program to create a "cultural district" in town, aimed at drawing in visitors and boosting the local economy. 

Proposed for the town's downtown area, the Natick cultural district would include the Morse Institute Library, Natick Common, and the Center for Arts in Natick, boston.com reports.

Cultural districts throughout the state will have marked boundaries and will be promoted by the state Office of Travel and Tourism and Massachusetts Cultural Council, the boston.com article said. 

“Our goal is to maximize the public and private value of Natick Center for everyone who lives, works or visits here,’’ the town wrote in its application to the state council. “We are committed to encouraging active participation in the life of downtown Natick, enhancing its physical environment and business climate, encouraging redevelopment efforts that are consistent with its historic character, actively recruiting new businesses and strengthening existing ones, and promoting Natick Center as an integral part of the MetroWest area.”

The state council will vote on adopting the Natick cultural district on Aug. 21.