By Anna Skinner
Curt Whitesell launched the Union in Westfield to bring businesses and entrepreneurs together in one co-working space. In addition to the work space, another amenity has recently become available through the Union.
On March 21, Whitesell introduced Wander Westfield, an initiative to encourage people to bike around the city’s trails and visit local businesses such as the restaurants on Park Street. Whitesell purchased three bikes that will be available free of charge to those who want to borrow them.
“The goal of it is I want people to see the really cool local stuff we have,” he said. “We’ve got some great restaurants. We’ve got great trails. My thought is, as people come to visit businesses or come to town, they can hop on a bike and get the true local experience. Long term, it will create brand awareness through local companies.”
Whitesell will provide an interactive map to those who would like to utilize the bikes. To bike, one must send a photo of their driver’s license to 317-698-2700 or through the Union Westfield’s Facebook page. The user also must post to social media during the ride with the Wander Westfield hashtag.
Westfield history highlights will be placed on the map such as Asa Bales Park.
“We will talk about different landmarks, like Asa Bales has got a nice little story to it or the cemetery on south union,” he said. “I would like to partner with someone who can help with that, like the parks department or the historical society.”
Whitesell said he hopes he can receive some bikes in good condition to place at local businesses around the city.
“It’s a perfect fit for this co-working space. I want people to work together, but I also want people to enjoy our community together,” Whitesell said. “I envision tenants or members hopping on a bike for a one-on-one meeting. They could go ride the trails and talk instead of sitting down.”
