JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) and Age Friendly Jackson Hole (AFJH) have issued a request for proposals from local artists and craftsmen to design and construct three age and ability friendly benches for the Save the Block greenspace.
The Jackson Hole Land Trust is a 2020 recipient of a $10,250 AARP Community Challenge Grant that will be used to fund the design and production of age friendly benches made by local artists and placed on the downtown Jackson greenspace.
“A huge thank you to AARP and we are excited to collaborate with the Jackson Hole Land Trust on age-friendly benches for the Greenspace on the Block. Partnerships are key for new projects in our community and the locally designed benches will continue the community-oriented and inclusive spirit of the Save the Block project, as well as provide a place for all ages and abilities to enjoy a respite,” said Becky Zaist and Jean Day, Co-Chairs of Age Friendly Jackson Hole.
The Greenspace on The Block was protected in August 2019 following a four-month-long fundraising campaign led by the JHLT during which over 2,600 individuals donated more than $7 million to purchase the conservation easement and underlying fee on the Greenspace. Currently under construction, the 1.2 acres of community greenspace will offer low impact pedestrian connections, plenty of shade under the community-cherished cottonwood trees, open common areas to gather and socialize, and functional access to the local businesses that inhabit the preserved historic buildings on the block.
“There’s so much potential for this greenspace, from future programming to highlighting the historic flows of Cache Creek,” said Jr Rodriguez, Community Conservation Manager/R Park Director for the Jackson Hole Land Trust. “This collaboration with Age Friendly Jackson Hole is another chapter in the community effort to Save the Block. These benches will reflect our community character through local artists being inspired by not only the Greenspace itself but by all of the people that came together to save this community space.”
Design proposals will be accepted until September 23, 2020. Interested artists and craftsmen can view the RFP here: Block RFP
