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Bridge Bedford presents $135,000 in grants and plans for Winter Wonderland activation
Summary
Bridge Bedford board chair Beth Davis told the committee the local nonprofit has secured three grants totaling $135,000 to support walkability, public art and community wellness, and outlined plans to activate Celebration Grounds year-round with a Winter Wonderland program.
Beth Davis, chair of Bridge Bedford, presented the nonprofit’s mission and recent grant awards, saying the group’s goal is to "bring community members together with businesses, other organizations, and local government to identify projects and bring them to life."
Davis outlined three grants Bridge Bedford received in the past six months totaling $135,000: an AARP Community Challenge grant for $15,000 to support walkability and pedestrian improvements; a Tennessee Arts Commission Creative Placemaking award of $20,000 for public art and engagement; and a HEART (Healthy, Active, Rural Tennessee) grant of $100,000 to support safer public spaces, community gardens and active programming. Davis also noted a separate $120,000 grant awarded to the Fly Arts Center for a Levitt Music Series.
The nonprofit plans to use those funds for projects such as shade structures, wayfinding signage, public seating, interactive public spaces, and community gardens. Davis said Bridge Bedford will also be part of a Winter Wonderland activation in Champions Arena and outside spaces at Celebration Grounds, with the aim of creating year-round programming that supports tourism and local businesses.
Commission members praised the group’s early achievement and urged community leaders to support Bridge Bedford’s growth and fundraising. Davis said the board is small and plans to expand membership and continue bringing in outside investment so the county does not have to fund all programs locally.
Bridge Bedford's work will proceed through grant agreements and partnerships; no county funding or formal county action was requested at this meeting.
