Pictures from the October 24, 2006, dedication ceremony for the biking/walking
track that the BRBC co-sponsored for the "Walk and Roll" grant efforts
at North Canton Elementary School. The BRBC donated $3,000 toward this grant
project, which has two-parts:
| September
11, 2006
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club
Dear Fellow Bikers:
Thank you so much for the generous donation of $3,000 to the Haywood County “Walk and Roll” project. It is your financial support that has truly given this project the ability to go forward.
As I described to the club officers at the August meeting, Haywood County Health Department received a grant from the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission for a two year project about walking and riding bicycles, the “Walk and Roll” project. Year one is to pave a walking/biking track at North Canton Elementary School and establish walking and biking programs. It is to include mountain bikes for an after-school bike club and Gamebikes for use by the students in PE and regular classes.
Year two is to construct a walking/mountain biking trail on the Rough Creek Watershed just north of Canton. The grant includes $30,000 for the construction of the trail with the hope that this money can be used as a match for more funds through a Recreational Trails Program grant from the State of North Carolina. The design for the trail will be completed during year one of the project and enable us to make this application.
I came to the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club for financial assistance because once we were awarded the grant, we discovered additional expenses were involved. An existing baseball field has to be moved over in order for the track to be put around the perimeter of the playground. Moving the ball field includes moving and replacing a baseball backstop and additional fencing to the tune of approximately $9,000.
Also, I learned that the trail designer needs 6 days to complete his design rather than the expected 3 days allotted in our grant. In addition to the $1,500 in grant money, we need as additional $1,500.
When the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Officers voted to put in $2,000 immediately with up to an additional $1,000 as matching money for the project, I was ecstatic! These funds have made it possible for us to get the paving and re-fencing project started and has enabled us to schedule the needed time with the trail designer! It has also enabled us to seek matching monies so we can pursue the purchase of the mountain bikes and the Gamebikes for programming.
Thus far, we have received funds and pledges totaling $6,182.00 from the following donors:
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club $3,000
In addition to this, Buckeye Construction Company donated approximately $300 worth of labor in the demolition and removing of old fence from the area where the track will be paved.
I have several speaking engagements slated for additional requests, including doctor’s offices, civic groups and businesses. I hope to represent the project and your support well.
Again, I thank you so much for your contribution and support of “Walk and Roll”. I look forward to recognizing Blue Ridge Bicycle Club at our kick-off event. As soon as we have that scheduled, I will send you an invitation!
Sincerely,
Marcia W. Tate, MPH, RD, CHES |
