News Summary
Chattanooga has introduced over 127 vibrant benches at CARTA bus stops, enhancing the comfort and aesthetics for public transport users. Initiated by local grandmother Linda Hershey, this heartwarming project aims to provide seating for everyone, especially the elderly and disabled, while fostering community involvement. The benches, painted in a rainbow of colors, are being installed across the city, reflecting a united community effort that not only beautifies public spaces but also involves local students and businesses in its execution.
Chattanooga Gets a Colorful Bench Facelift at Bus Stops!
In a delightful turn of events for public transportation riders in Chattanooga, over 127 vibrant benches have been installed at various CARTA bus stops around the city! The benches stretch all the way from Highway 153 in the north to the Georgia state line in the south, making waiting for the bus a little more comfortable and a whole lot more colorful.
A Heartfelt Initiative
The initiative to brighten up these bus stops was kicked off by a local grandmother and semi-retired court reporter, Linda Hershey. Inspired by a social media post from community activist and CARTA board member Corey Evatt, who had built a bench for an elderly neighbor, Hershey decided to take action. Her journey began with a very personal touch, as the first bench was dedicated to her daughter, Darby Standefer, for her 40th birthday. Hershey shared her hopes to support the elderly and disabled who have often been left to wait at bus stops without any seating available.
Hitting the Ground Running
Initially set on addressing the glaring need for seating at the city’s 1,200 municipal bus stops—many of which had no benches at all—Hershey instantly rallied her community. After constructing the first bench, she enlisted her fellow members from the Valamont Women’s Club to join her in this heartwarming campaign. They set a goal to build 100 benches by August 2024!
Hershey wasted no time in appealing for sponsorship to fund the benches; within just two hours, enough pledges came in to cover the cost of 70 benches! Community spirit was alive and well, and local high school students from four different schools jumped into action, helping assemble these colorful benches after receiving supplies courtesy of Hershey.
The Work Continues
As of last week, 61 benches have already been beautifully painted and installed, while another 25 are currently under assembly. Funding is in hand for an additional 40 benches, ensuring this wonderful project continues to grow. The initiative has not only provided waiting areas for riders but has also engaged local students, offering them invaluable experience in community-building activities.
Once the benches are ready to roll, Corey Evatt steps up to the plate, ensuring they get delivered and installed at the correct bus stops, securely placed for all to enjoy. Those keen on tracking the locations of these cheerful benches can find a digital map available online at chattatransit.com/hcs.
Where to Find the New Benches
These vibrant benches adorn bus stops in several neighborhoods, showcasing a beautiful array of colors such as purple, orange, green, and pink. You can see them in bustling areas like the Southside, North Shore, Hixson Pike, Highway 58, and Rossville Boulevard.
Local businesses like Home Depot and Elder’s Ace Hardware have also gotten involved, providing essential supplies to help turn this vision into reality. It’s a true testament to how local enterprises can rally together to support community efforts.
Getting Involved
For those who want to contribute to this colorful cause, Linda Hershey is actively coordinating with the Valamont Women’s Club for donations and supplies. You can reach out via their email or physical address to see how you can help make Chattanooga an even more vibrant place.
A Community United
This initiative is much more than just adding benches; it has fostered a strong sense of community spirit among Chattanooga residents across all demographics. Whether waiting for a bus or just enjoying a moment of rest, everyone can now appreciate the cheerful upgrade to Chattanooga’s public spaces.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: The Secret Push Behind Those Bus Stop Benches
- Wikipedia: Public Transport
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Adds 20 New Benches at Bus Stops
- Google Search: Chattanooga Public Transportation
- Atlas Obscura: Bench Avenue Chattanooga
- Google Scholar: Urban Public Benches
- Smart Cities Dive: Guerrilla Urbanists and Bus Stop Benches
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Times Free Press: Advocacy Group Replaces Benches
- Google News: Chattanooga Urban Projects
