A local foundation has launched an audacious effort to make the southwest Virginia community of Martinsville/Henry County a paragon of walking, biking and healthful physical activity. The Harvest Foundation is investing $1.56 million over three years to transform the furniture-making town into “a place where bicycling and walking are deeply valued and integral features of vibrant and healthy life in the region.”
Along with other players including the CDC and Safe Routes to School, the foundation has enlisted the National Complete Streets Coalition as a major partner in involving citizens in crafting and implementing plans to create a network of safe, inviting streets for walking, biking and driving.
“This proposal represents a new direction in philanthropic support — transportation investment,” says Richard Killingsworth, Executive Director of the Harvest Foundation.. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure that our investment helps revitalize our public spaces and creates a uniquely attractive, vibrant and healthy place that speaks to our vision of Martinsville/Henry County becoming a community of choice.”
Read the Complete Streets press release, and the release from the Harvest Foundation.