Last Tuesday, August 20, one of the best aspects of Chatham was on display. The ribbon was cut to dedicate a paved trail in Francis Hurt Park behind town hall. The new trail will vastly improve the experience of visiting this quiet beautiful spot, a place still undiscovered by many residents.
This project embodies a unique aspect of Chatham. Here there is a strong spirit of volunteerism that often combines with support from our council and local foundations to produce betterments that improve the quality of life here, things that would not otherwise occur. This trail was the result of efforts by Councilwoman Janet Bishop, approval by council, grant work by Frank Fox of Chatham First, funding by a local charity, and contract administration by town manager, Nick Morris.
Look around the park and you will see the handiwork of many volunteers working through various civic organizations. The “tot lot “ was a Chatham First ( CF) Project, the historic barn was by the local historical society, the barn interpretative sign by CF, who also provided the butterfly garden and hitching post for our Amish neighbors.
Walk along Main Street and see the results of our civil organizations and volunteers, often in cooperation with the town and local charitable foundations. To name a few, there are decorative lamp posts by Chatham Rotary, banners and flower baskets by Chatham First, maintained by the town. There is Giles Corner, developed by Chatham First, supported by foundations and maintained by PATHS. Competition Alley was the result of a whole team of folks who are listed on a plaque in the gazebo there.
Enjoy these amenities, but do not assume they just happened. They are the result of dedication and cooperation. These people did not have to do this, they chose to do so out of a love of community and dedication to make things better. Everywhere you look in town, it is the same story, whether it is the various parks, ball fields, or landscaped areas that beautify our community.
Our nice new trail is just a glimpse of things that can be. Many of you are tracking progress on the initiative known as Reimagine Chatham. When the growth and renewal plan is completed in late September, it will provide an opportunity to unlock the doors to funding for a vast array of betterments intended to help transform our community for the better in the coming years, while maintaining those aspects of the town we all love and cherish. If you are unaware of what is happening, go to ReimagineChatham.org and get updated, then plan on attending the presentation of the draft study on September 11 at 5:30 pm at the ODAC. Better yet, get involved if you are not already doing so. All of our civic organizations are eager to welcome new members.