Bethel Better Parks Event
Did you love Bethel Better Block? Guess what.... it's coming back! This time, we'll be creating Better Parks & Greenways.
Join us during Forward Fest weekend to meet Bethel’s new placemaking trailer and imagine how we could activate three amazing village parks and public spaces.
Schedule
Homecoming at the Athletic Fields (time TBD, Friday September 22)
5K Race at the Recreation Center (8 AM - 10:30 AM), Saturday September 23
Forward Fest at the Bandshell (11 AM - 3 PM), Saturday September 23
Remember Bethel Better Block? Let’s do it again… in parks.
In 2016, Bethel teamed up with Team Better Block and AARP Vermont to transform Main Street into a vibrant, complete village — all in just two days. The demonstration allowed people to feel and imagine with the village could be like with storefronts filled, safe walking and biking routes, entertainment and activities, street life and more. The project helped spark numerous actions, from downtown public art and the fish mural to new businesses, and long-term planning projects.
Now, we’re brining Team Better Block back to Bethel to help us imagine what improvements could do for our core village parks and public spaces.
During Forward Fest weekend, we’ll use a new Placemaking Trailer full of fun elements and equipment to activate three village parks and public spaces. At those events, we’ll gather input on what would make them more accessible, welcoming, and comfortable places to spend time — in the long-run.
Psst… we’re getting a community placemaking trailer!
Placemaking is all about creating vibrant, comfortable, and welcoming spaces. Bethel has amazing parks and public spaces already. But there are ways that we could improve all of them to make them more appealing for diverse users. To make it easier and more comfortable to spend time there. And to make them more fun, engaging, and inspiring.
The Placemaking Trailer is a portable placemaking “kit” full of gear that can help to activate and instantly improve any public space for an event, festival, or gathering. It will have chairs and seating, tables, pop-up tents and umbrellas, lawn games, and more.
Bethel’s Placemaking Trailer will be available for community groups and organizations to use for their events, making it easier for the community to plan and host fun, accessible activities for all.
Check out the trailer concept!
About the Project
The Bethel Better Parks event and trailer are designed to help implement ideas and recommendations from the Bethel for All Village Accessibility Plan, while also gathering more input on future improvements.
The event and trailer are funded by a Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economy Collaborative grant (VOREC). The trailer will be owned by the Town of Bethel and available for community groups to use. After the demo event, organizers will work to identify a checkout and use policy, and pilot it over the next year of the grant.
Thanks to our funders, sponsors and partners!
· Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economy Collaborative grant (VOREC)
· AARP Vermont
· Vermont Better Connections program & Bethel for All Plan
· Team Better Block
· Town of Bethel, Vermont
· White River Valley School
· Bethel for All Steering Committee
· Bethel Conservation Commission
· Bethel Recreation Committee
· Bethel Forward Fest Committee