WATERVILLE — The public is invited to an open house Wednesday, Dec. 7, to help city officials and urban planners create a vision for the downtown area.

The event is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Elm at 21 College Ave. and people may come for a short visit or stay for as long as they wish, according to city officials.

They can meet city staff and urban planners, learn about the planning process and give input on what they enjoy about downtown and what they think is important for the future, according to a City Hall news release. They may share ideas about community needs, housing, open space, economic development, transit, traffic, parking and other topics they feel are important, according to the release. Light food and beverages will be provided.

The open house is part of an effort by the city to get public input on what should be downtown and in the surrounding area in the future, and what people feel is missing and needed there.