Committee approves trail sign design honoring Charles Redfern for the bridge spanning Route 101

The Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee unanimously recommended the City Council approve a proposed trail sign design honoring Charles (Chuck) Redfern for the bridge formerly known as the South Bridge, which spans New Hampshire Route 101. The recommendation authorizes the city manager to take all necessary actions to fabricate and install the signage on the Cheshire Rail Trail.

Public Works Director Don Lucey introduced the bike-path committee’s request and explained the city has limited discretion over DOT-facing dedication signs on the bridge; signage located on the rail trail itself is more flexible. The proposed sign copy reads, in part, “honoring the man with the vision and tenacity to create the magnificent multi-use trail system in Keene, New Hampshire,” and Pathways for Keene and BikePAC representatives said the curved “welcome” text mimics the arc of the bridge.

BikePAC representative Jared Haas and City Councilor Philip Jones (also a Pathways for Keene board member) told the committee the sign was designed by Pathways for Keene and endorsed by BikePAC; Pathways and volunteers helped raise funds and support for the rail-trail system. A motion to recommend approval of the attached design and authorize the city manager to install the signage passed unanimously; fabrication timing will follow once funding and design details are finalized.