The Greater Hartford Association of Realtors® (GHAR) received a $3000 Placemaking grant from the National Association of Realtors® to help transform unused space in Rocky Hill’s Dividend Pond Trails into vibrant, public destination for community use and enjoyment.
The grant was designed by NAR to ensure local Realtor® Associations are partnering with other neighboring organizations to plan, organize, implement and maintain Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper placemaking projects in their communities. GHAR used the funds to create a pocket park that includes a landscaping, a bike rack, a bench, and a bike fixing station. The project included donations by the Central CT Health District and plantings done by Rocky Hill Girl Scout Troops 10214 and 10246. The Rocky Hill Parks & Recreation Department was also heavily involved.
“Realtors® live, work and volunteer in their communities and take immense pride in our work to make Greater Hartford neighborhoods better places for all to enjoy,” said Jen Boilard, GHAR Community Involvement Chairperson. “The grant gave us a tangible, immediate opportunity to address an area in need of enhancement. Placemaking can help foster healthier, more social and economically viable communities, and creates places where people feel a strong stake in their neighborhoods and are committed to making things better.”
NAR offers Placemaking Grants to state and local Realtor® Associations around the country to create new public spaces and destinations in a community, such as turning a parking spot into a people spot (parklet) or a vacant lot into a pocket park or garden.
“I’m impressed with the level of collaboration and partnership from all of the different organizations who played a role in creating this new pocket park,” said GHAR CEO, Holly Callanan. “It really completes the space nicely.”
To see photos from the event and the park, visit www.GHARonline.com. To find out more about National Association of Realtors® placemaking program visit, https://realtorparty.realtor/community-outreach/housing-opportunity
Pictured (L to R): Craig Bowman, RH Director of Parks & Recreation; Holly Callanan, GHAR CEO; Kate Lange, Alison Malkin, Rocky Hill Mayor Lisa Marotta, Laurie Boske, State Representative Kerry Wood; Jen Boilard, Charlotte Rossi, Christine Green, Veronica Marshall, and Samantha Doering
The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.