SPARTA, N.C. — AppHealthCare and the Alleghany Sparta Trail Association (ASTA) have received a $150,000 grant through the North Carolina State Parks Great Trails State Program to support the planning, design and engineering of a potential greenway along Bledsoe Creek in Sparta.
The grant will support an important first step in exploring the possibility of a future greenway that could expand opportunities for outdoor recreation, physical activity, and community connection in Alleghany County.
The project will involve a collaborative planning process with AppHealthCare, ASTA, the Town of Sparta and Alleghany County. The partners are committed to working together, engaging property owners and communicating with community stakeholders as they explore the potential route and design of a greenway.
“This grant allows us to take an important first step in exploring what a greenway along Bledsoe Creek could look like for our community, and we’re excited about the opportunity to take this next step,” said Forrest Pulley, ASTA Board Chair. “Trails and walkways can do so much to connect people with nature, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen our community. This grant will help us develop a vision for what may be possible along Bledsoe Creek, and we look forward to working with our partners and engaging property owners throughout the process.”
A primary component of the grant is the hiring of a qualified design and engineering firm to develop plans for a potential greenway. The firm will be selected through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, which will be announced soon. The selected firm will help outline potential design options and provide a foundation for evaluating the feasibility and next steps of the project.
Engagement with property owners will be an important part of the process. The project partners recognize the importance of open communication, listening to community perspectives, and working collaboratively to understand opportunities and considerations associated with a potential greenway along Bledsoe Creek.
“Public health is shaped by more than healthcare services alone. Providing outdoor recreation supports healthy places for physical activity and supports our local economy,” said Jennifer Greene, Health Director/CEO, AppHealthCare. “This grant is all about partnering to develop a plan that can bring in additional funds from grants and other donations to support the community. It is leveraging this grant opportunity to invest in planning to support a healthier community for generations to come.”
This grant supports design and engineering, not construction. This is the first step needed to bring in additional resources to support its development long term. Final approval and commitment will take time, more conversation with community elected officials, and community members. The work will help the project partners better understand the possibilities and considerations involved before determining potential next steps.
Additional information about the Request for Qualifications and opportunities for community engagement will be shared as details become available.
Community members who want to contribute to this project can send donations to ASTA, Attn: Greenway Project, PO Box 1172, Sparta, NC 28675.
About AppHealthCare
AppHealthCare is a rural public health agency serving Alleghany, Ashe, and Watauga counties. The agency works to promote and protect the health of the communities it serves through clinical, dental, behavioral health, environmental health, nutrition, prevention and other public health services. AppHealthCare is committed to improving health and well-being through accessible services, community partnerships and public health leadership. www.AppHealthCare.com | (828) 795-1970
About Alleghany Sparta Trail Association (ASTA)
The Alleghany Sparta Trail Association (ASTA) works to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in Alleghany County by developing and promoting pathways that encourage physical activity, support healthy lifestyles, and connect people with nature. ASTA supports local hiking, paddling and biking trails, as well as urban walkways, while promoting environmental stewardship, education and community connections. Through partnerships and community engagement, ASTA strives to help residents and visitors enjoy the natural beauty of the Alleghany County area. Learn more at www.spartatrails.org. Community members who want to contribute to this project can send donations to ASTA, Attn: Greenway Project, PO Box 1172, Sparta, NC 28675.
#