Under the bright lights of Stratford's town hall, members of the Greenway Complete Streets Subcommittee gathered for a crucial meeting on May 1, 2024. With the Main Street Festival just around the corner, the urgency of their discussions was palpable. The committee, led by President Karen Burke, quickly moved through the agenda, approving minutes from previous meetings before diving into the heart of their plans.

One of the key highlights was the collaboration with the local Rotary Club, which has generously offered to provide bicycle parking for the festival at no cost. This partnership aims to enhance the festival experience, especially as the committee seeks to return to their original location on Broad Street, where they enjoyed greater success in past years. Burke expressed optimism about finalizing arrangements with Rotary soon, emphasizing the importance of timely communication to ensure everything is in place.

In addition to the festival preparations, the committee discussed a recent grant application submitted to Metro COG, the regional planning association. This micro grant, totaling nearly $5,000, is set to support two initiatives: the Children's Bike Rodeo and the Complete Streets activities at the Main Street Festival. Half of the funds will be allocated to the bike rodeo, while the other half will help provide safety bracelets branded with the Stratford Housatonic Greenway logo for festival attendees. These bracelets are not just a fun accessory; they symbolize the town's commitment to promoting safe and active transportation options.

As the meeting wrapped up, the subcommittee members left with a sense of purpose and excitement. With the festival approaching, their efforts to enhance community engagement and promote cycling safety are set to make a significant impact. The collaboration with local organizations and the support from regional grants reflect a growing commitment to creating a vibrant and accessible environment for all residents of Stratford.