The summer of 2025 is seeing the completion of several of the initiatives begun under the 2024 Reimagine Chatham Growth and Renewal Strategic Plan. Accomplished with funding from a local Trust and completed last November, the plan has defined a vision for betterments in Chatham and the adjacent area and is being used as the basis for several current projects.
This “implementation phase” of the strategic plan is underway and is being driven primarily by grant funds. As was the case with the plan’s development, the work is being accomplished by a collaborative effort among local civic and service groups and the Town of Chatham. Projects are guided by a steering committee and are being managed with assistance of the local firm River District Consulting. Fiscal oversight is by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, the grant applicant.
Specifically, the summer will see the completion of a feasibility study for a series or walking trails in and around town, the completion of pickleball courts at Harris Field, and a study to define a local brand and marketing strategy. Reimagine Chatham is also partnering with the town to help improve the appearance of the town entrance at Highway 57 West and with paving at Silas Moore Park. Further, Chatham Rotary, a member of the steering committee, is working to add playground equipment at Harris Field.
The trail system will include both existing sidewalks and natural sections made available by the support of Chatham Hall and Hargrave Military Academy, which have offered access to certain existing trails and paths on their respective campuses. The trails will link points of historic and aesthetic interest. Future efforts will focus on development of directional and interpretive signage, improvement of some natural sections, and the development of some new small park areas and trailheads. The feasibility report is available for viewing at ReimagineChatham.org.
The pickleball courts are scheduled to be completed in early August. The facility will include two courts with netting and fencing.
Work has begun on improvements at the railway underpass on 57 West with the clearing of the overgrown railroad embankment slopes. Landscaping and other aesthetic improvements are being planned.
Late August will see the completion of the branding study and marketing plan. Though not as visible as the other initiatives, the branding and marketing plan may be the most consequential for the long-term growth of the town. The study is being conducted by the firm of Arnett Muldrow and Associates of Greenville, South Carolina. They have developed many similar plans throughout the region. Branding will include a primary logo for the town, as well as logo variants that can be used for purposes such as signage, specific events, advertising, business promotions, and any other activity identified with the town. Also included will be a “tag line” or slogan, and recommendations for colors and fonts to provide overall compatibility. These resources will be available for use, within guidelines, by businesses, civic groups, and others for events that publicize and promote Chatham and the adjacent area. The marketing plan will be a tool containing ideas and initiatives for improving the local business environment.
All these projects will require further investments of time and resources to maximize their potential for improving our town. Reimagine Chatham will be helping lead efforts to put in place the structure and processes to continue to move these and other betterments forward. You can stay up to date by following Reimagine Chatham on Facebook and signing up for email bulletins at ReimagineChatham.org. By staying informed, you will have the opportunity to shape future projects that have an impact on our town.