Green-space initiative in the works for downtown Clinton
Trees and planters that will help create a “green space” in the middle of downtown Clinton are planned for part of the Commerce Street parking lot.
Also planned is a pavilion that would host live performances and other events.
Historic Downtown Clinton is leading the “green space initiative,” which has been made possible by a contribution from the city of Clinton and private donations already totaling $50,000, said Katherine Birkbeck, program director for the group.
She said the money already raised will go toward adding 19 trees, five large planters, sod, irrigation, mulch and topsoil to the west end of the parking lot.
The city’s Public Works Department is expected to begin work on the project within the next two weeks, Birkbeck said.
“This will enhance the area that we have used for the Tasty Tuesday food truck rallies and allow other events to take place in this area, while also offering a safety barrier to traffic and an inviting space to the back of our downtown area,” she said in a statement.
“We are working closely with the city of Clinton on this project, as they have committed to re-striping the entire parking lot to efficiently use the space to minimize how many parking spots are lost [to the green space].”
The reconfiguration of the parking lot will result in a loss of only about 10 spots, Birkbeck said.
Besides the weekly food truck event, the green space project is also meant to enhance the area for continued use by the seasonal farmers’ market, and allow for school groups to have a performance area and to use the area for fundraising events.
“We want that to be a more-inviting space if we’re going to continue to use it,” Birkbeck said.
Money is still being sought for the pavilion, and anyone interesting in helping is asked to visit online at historicdowntownclinton.org/green-space for more information or to contribute.
“We’ve been putting the pavilion out for bids,” Birkbeck said. “It will be expensive, but we think it will be there for the next 100 years, so we want to do it right. The design will have some nods to the train depot and other historic downtown buildings.”
In a release, Historic Downtown Clinton gave this list of “some ways we believe a pavilion will benefit” the downtown area:
• It “creates a multi season, multi-use community park that will allow residents and visitors to gather.
• “Enhances community through weekly Food Truck rallies and Farmers’ Market gatherings.
• “Creates a performance area for local kids to perform.
• “Adds a communal space to our downtown area that would support Historic Downtown Clinton’s initiatives to increase tourism and create community connection.
• “Enhances quality of living for Clinton residents and beyond, with all-inclusive ADA-compliant outdoor space for all mobility levels and ages to enjoy.
• “Expands current events such as [the] Mosaic Arts Festival, Clinton Christmas Stroll, Sip of Summerfest and more.
• “Creates an inviting gateway to the downtown district.
• “Keeps our schools involved with downtown, gives them a space for fundraising as well as a performance space, and allows them to feel ownership of the downtown area.”