The urban green space at 1026 Roanoke Avenue now has free public WiFi.

Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle said the connection went live last week. “It’s been in the works for sometime and has always been part of the plans for phase one.”

The money to fund public WiFi came from the same grant which allowed Main Street to create a streetscape master plan, phase I development of the green space and add additional funding for the facade improvement program.

The addition of WiFi at the site leads to new ways to use the space, Caudle said. It can now be used as an outdoor workspace and high school students can take advantage of the internet access. “It’s free internet access and it’s a beautiful space.”

Caudle is currently working on grant funding or fundraising efforts to secure courtyard tables with umbrellas and chairs for the site.

The city is encouraging use of the space, Caudle said. “There’s access to electricity and water. It’s a perfect spot for a musician to set up. Food trucks can easily set up in the alley or in front of the space. We want people to utilize this space as a third place you can go to through the summer.”

Caudle said people are using the space for things like senior photos and engagement and wedding shoots. “With the addition of WiFi it makes it that much easier to come and enjoy a space that the city and Main Street have worked hard to build.”

Caudle encourages those who want to utilize the space to contact Main Street either via its Facebook page or by calling 252-533-2838.