Committee plans library presentation and monthly walks to promote proposed 13‑mile 'Harbor‑to‑Hill' greenway

Alex and other committee members said they will present a high-level overview of a proposed 13‑mile greenway—referred to in the meeting as the Harbor‑to‑Hill or Harbor Hills route—at a library event scheduled for Feb. 26 (Thursday) and will pair that outreach with a series of public walks beginning in April. The library talk is intended to build awareness and gather feedback that can be used for future grant applications.

Francisco and others said the committee expects to socialize the proposed plan, collect letters of support from elected officials and community organizations, and tailor future materials for a conservation commission review. Committee members reported contacting Tim Bishop (a conservation contact) to ask whether conservation would co‑sponsor or accept a presentation; Tim told members he was supportive and that the conservation commission would be an appropriate next forum.

The committee discussed the cadence and audience for the walks: members proposed holding walks on the last Saturday of each month starting in April, alternating family‑friendly walks with occasional bike rides where appropriate, and mapping each walk to a segment of the proposed route so residents can see how individual pieces would connect. Members recommended drafting short templates for letters of support and targeting stakeholders including neighborhood associations next to the path, schools, community organizations and elected officials.

The group agreed to share a shortened presentation deck for the library and for review by conservation commissioners and volunteer partners (such as the Junior League), and to ask volunteers to help distribute outreach materials. Members also suggested including a horticulturist or other subject-matter guides on walks to increase appeal and to draw participation.