The Gathering Spot project will place 8-10 artistic picnic tables throughout Ludlow.
Will create additional outdoor gathering areas
The village of Ludlow was recently selected as a recipient of a Better Places program grant for its “Gathering Spot Project.”
This project was one of eight place-making grant award winners selected statewide. These funds were provided to improve the vitality of state-designated downtowns and village centers. Grants award winners were selected to help communities reimagine and reopen public spaces for safe dining, shopping, and recreation, while showcasing the state’s unique sense of place.
This Gathering Spot project is a collaboration between the town of Ludlow, the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC), Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts and the Expeditionary School at Black River.
The purpose of the Ludlow project is manifold: enhancing community gathering places for dining outdoors; building social capital among the project partners working together for the community’s benefit; engaging community artists and the creative economy through project partners; and leveraging student participation.
The Ludlow Gathering Spot project will be located within the town village and will enhance existing outdoor seating options through the addition of “art infused” picnic tables, together with new trash/ recycling containers.
Ludlow’s Main St. is lined with many eating establishments; however, many continue to offer takeout services.
With warmer weather approaching, these outdoor gathering spots will also offer a safer alternative to indoor dining. This main street is also home to a variety of small shops, and installing benches on the sidewalks would serve to provide a resting place for shoppers.
The Gathering Spot project will place 8-10 artistic picnic tables and trash containers in the following locations: Elm Street Park, Veterans’ Memorial Park (where the town gazebo is also located), Tesman Memorial Park (next to Ludlow Town Hall) and Dorsey Park.