Committee approves trail sign design to honor Charles Redfern and multiuse trail creation

The committee unanimously recommended that the city council approve a trail‑sign design identifying the newly named Charles Redfern Bridge (formerly the South Bridge) spanning New Hampshire Route 101 and authorized the city manager to install the signage along the Cheshire Rail Trail.

Presenters said state law already names the bridge and that the proposed trail sign—designed by Pathways for Keene and endorsed by Bike Pack—would be installed on the rail‑trail approach to the bridge (in addition to prevailing DOT dedication signs facing vehicular traffic). Pathways for Keene and volunteers will coordinate fabrication and fundraising.

Don Lucey, public works director, described the proposed sign location on the rail trail and recommended integrating the sign copy into the city’s existing wayfinding sign system so signage is consistent with other trailhead signs. Jared Haas, speaking for Bike Pack, and Philip Jones, who serves on Pathways for Keene’s board, said the design’s curved “Welcome” line was intended to mirror the bridge’s arc and that the text should not be crowded by additional logos.

Committee members expressed support and noted city fabrication capacity limitations for custom artwork; staff said fabrication would be contracted through volunteers or third‑party vendors and that funding would determine number and placement of signs. The motion to recommend council approval and authorize the city manager to do all things necessary to install the signage passed unanimously. Staff will return to council with final placement and fabrication plans.