Keene Introduces Plans for Newly Renovated

Bridge, New Dog Park, and an Exciting Interactive

Project

Keene City Council meets at City Hall to discuss some changes to expect in the coming months

By Jack Dey

The Keene City Council met at City Hall on Thursday to address an array of topics that the

community can expect to see within the coming months.

From a proposed bridge renovation and a new dog park to an upcoming project that will add

some excitement to Keene's streets, the council sat down on Thursday to cover a lot of ground.
George Street Bridge is one of many renovation projects Keene has in the works, and with the

combination of funding and timing this year to make the project happen, the renovation is set to

proceed as planned.

Residents of the George Street neighborhood recently voiced their opinions on the renovation

project, with the main focus being the newly renovated bridge continuing to reflect the rural style

of the neighborhood.

“One piece of input that has actually made a huge difference in the project is the railings on the

new bridge being modified to fit the aesthetics of the area a little better,” said Councilor Michael

Giacomo

Residents citywide can also eagerly anticipate the opening of a dog park in their area in the near

future, although the location of the proposed dog park has sparked some controversy.

The proposed location, Wheelock Park, for many years has offered a campground for some of

Keene's homeless population. With its campground already closed and the renovations being

made, the city of Keene is now seeing an uptick of citizen complaints filed against homeless

people relocating toward the center of town.

“The town is now dealing with complaints from residents about various locations the homeless

have chosen to relocate to,” Said Councilor Phil Jones

While new projects are set to take place in the local park, Keene also looks to introduce an

exciting and innovative project to their downtown area. Keene Public Works has been working

with Arts Alive and Keene State College on a unique project that involves the installation of a

temporary wheat paste elm tree on either the local Colonial or Showroom. Interestingly, the tree

will not bear any leaves, instead it will feature instructions on how to find those leaves.

The missing leaves will be placed on the sidewalk in front of each identified arts destination

throughout the city. Although this project aims to engage the community, it also intends to

acknowledge and appreciate local businesses’ efforts in keeping the community involved.

“ It should add a lot of color to downtown. It also brings awareness to the local art businesses

that bring so much vibrancy and value to our economy,” said Sofia El Hakim, intern for Arts

Alive and manager of the town-wide project.

While this unorthodox project does not have a set start date, it will last for a total of one season.
Sources

Sofia El Hakim, Arts Alive, sofiaelhakim@gmail.com, 978-942-3759

Michael Giacomo, Keene City Councilor, mgiacomo@keenenh.gov, 603-324-8197

Philip Jones, Keene City Councilor, pjones@keenenh.gov, 603-491-3967

Documentary Sources

City Council Meeting - LIVE - 04/06/23 - YouTube

Keene Arts Core — Discover Monadnock Arts Alive!