The square in Athens has a different look thanks to Keep Athens Beautiful, which recently finished its bumpouts project.
The bumpouts — curb extensions — are on all four corners of the square and are “primarily used to extend the sidewalk, reducing the crossing distance and allowing pedestrians about to cross and approaching vehicle drivers to see each other when vehicles parked in a parking lane would otherwise block visibility.”
Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught said, “The city is thrilled with the results of the new bump outs and how well they turned out. They have added an attractiveness to our downtown square plus an added safety measure for pedestrians trying to cross the streets. We appreciate KAB tremendously for their support and generous funds for this project.”
The project was paid for with about $160,000 worth of TxDOT grant funding KAB earned by winning the 2012 Governor’s Community Achievement Award, which KAB has brought home eight consecutive times. The grant that comes with the award can only be spent on projects in the state right-of-way.
KAB Executive Director Carol Morton said the bumpouts were suggested in the results of a downtown revitalization study commissioned by the city in 2010.
“We evaluated other projects,” Morton said, “but this seemed to be the best for this time.”
Morton said the project has “been fun personally, but it has been challenging as well” because of its scope. It was a very large, complicated project as evidenced by the fact that none of the four bumpouts are the same size or have the same number of planters. Each corner required personal attention.
And speaking of those planters, Morton and KAB said a “huge thank you to the county for adding drip waterers to the flower pots, which are tied into the county irrigation system.”
KAB is planning a celebration to mark the completion of the project on Friday, Oct. 24.