The Revitalization Committee has met and identified projects which can have an immediate impact on Helper community based on the Sustainability Design Assistance Team (SDAT) presentation. At this point, the committee is in need of volunteers and leads for some of the projects. The projects are extremely short in duration, with the exception of the Winter Clean Up Team that will require a longer commitment.
Individuals interested in signing up to volunteer can do so online by emailing helperrevitalization@gmail.com, or visit City Hall, as well as, Helper Public Library. If any of the three options do not work, the committee has scheduled an evening of community sign-ups on Wednesday, 11 beginning at 6:00 pm till 7:30 pm at the Helper Auditorium. This is also where details of each of the projects will be given.
Once we have identified team members, next steps can begin. The focus projects are as follows:
1. Phase One Projects
1.1. Dark Skies Compliance (Lead – Nick Kiahtipes) Timeline: ASAP Actions: Provide ordinance for review/feedback to stakeholders; create inquiry to International Dark Skies for consideration as a dark sky community (done); next steps as determined by the Dark Skies organization.
1.2 Boulder Park by River Walk (Lead – TBD) Timeline: ASAP Actions: Secure City Council approval to change the existing volleyball court into a Boulder Playground based on risk assessment/liability. Amanda Wheeler is meeting to discuss and will bring to City Council on 10/5. Remove posts. Create “sandbox.” Drop in boulders, fill with sand. Donations of wood, weed barrier required.
1.3 Fireplace Project (Lead – Lenise Peterman/Chris Pugliese) Timeline: ASAP Actions: Check out boulders which may have the fireplace area at risk. Collect small boulders, line walkway. Mortar in loose stone, clean graffiti; build some sort of step down at head of trail
1.4 River Clean Up & Planting (Lead – Eric McCully) Timeline: Ongoing, next milestone date 11/10/2017 Activities: We will be planting on 11/10; need to work with volunteers and have watering schedules
1.5 Winter Clean Up Team – (Lead – Neighborhood Captains) Timeline: Ongoing Activities: Identify households which require assistance i.e., elderly, disabled and other struggling community members. Ideally this team consists of people who have plows and can handle a street located near their home(s). Our objective is to help those in our community who need assistance with tasks such as snow removal/maintenance. We will plan to refresh these teams for the Spring to assist with weed removal, etc.
1.6 Main Street Activation (Lead – Malarie Matsuda; Lenise Peterman) Timeline: ASAP Activities: Draft a page to present to property owners on Main based on SDAT feedback on small measures to make immediate improvement to property; provide avenue for owners to request assistance for larger scale projects such as painting, etc.
The committee needs as many volunteers to complete the projects. If you have any questions please visit the Helper Revitalization Facebook page.