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Clarksdale Revitalization has identified a number of projects involving aesthetics and infrastructure as well as amenity development. All require funding assistance and many are currently being pursued. Cultural Heritage Walking Trail The Cultural Heritage Walking Trail winds through downtown Clarksdale. Beginning at the historic Greyhound Bus Station it goes north through the historic Tennessee Williams District and passes all of the commemorative plaques and Blues Trails and Historic markers in the Downtown area. It will be two miles of new sidewalks to encourage pedestrian traffic through the center of the community. It will connect the amenities along “Blues Alley” and complete the project. Playground Along the new section of Blues Alley a playground has been proposed. It is to be a fenced playground with state of the art equipment and besides the activity it will offer, it will serve as a secure play area during concerts at the Delta Blues Museum stage. Martin Luther King Park Amphitheater An amphitheater has been proposed for MLK Park. The park has a natural slope for festival style audience seating and being next to the Sunflower River will enhance the experience. It will provide another outdoor venue for special and community events and programs. Historic Grange Cemetery At the corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. and Sunflower Ave. is the old Grange Cemetery. It has magnificent memorials and the remnants of walking paths through it. We are seeking funds to renovate the trails with brick sidewalks, erect a new iron fence and repair some of the concrete work that defines certain areas. A plaque will be erected with a guide to specific stones and monuments. Phase II – Sunflower River Hiking Trail The Sunflower River Hiking/Biking Trail – Phase I is almost complete. Once the finishing touches are added, the path will be clear to apply for Phase Two funding. Phase Two will tie into the Phase I Trail and will extend south to State Street along the river. If funding can be secured, it is possible to complete a trail along both sides of the river with two crossing points, one at State Street and one at First Street. Civil Rights Plaza Aaron Henry’s pharmacy and the surrounding area was an active place in the civil rights movement in Mississippi and interested groups are exploring the possibility of a Historic marker at that location on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Along with the marker a plaza is under consideration. Issaquena Plaza An area in the south 300 block of Issaquena, an open lot has been targeted for a brick plaza and venue. A raised foundation on the site can be converted to a permanent stage and brick plaza with tables, chairs and benches will provide a pleasant community gathering place. Building Renovations CRI’s concentration is on the clean-up/fix-up of buildings in the Downtown area. The search for incentives, financial assistance and historic renovation is a constant. Many incentives have been put in place, but we constantly seek out new and better programs to assist property owners with projects. This is true with infrastructure needs as well. CRI identifies needs and looks for vehicles to satisfy the requirements. |
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