But time’s running out.
Friday, Sept. 9 is the deadline for those who want to sponsor one of up to 25 celebration banners that will be suspended on light poles between Raider Drive and Willow Street along the paved path in observance of its first decade of good health.
The 28-inch by 60-inch banners will be of the same style and hung in the same manner as those in downtown Cleveland. Sponsorship cost is $250, and through a low-profile online solicitation the Greenway is halfway to its goal, according to Cameron Fisher, chairman of the Greenway board of directors.
“The 10th anniversary of the Greenway is significant in our community and a lot of people are eager to celebrate the occasion in a tangible way,” Fisher, an avid runner and Greenway user, explained. He is one of thousands of Cleveland and Bradley County residents over the past 10 years who have become regular users.
A limited number of sponsorships are still available but the deadline is drawing near.
“The time frame for participating is getting smaller,” the board chairman cautioned. “Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, but no later than Friday.”
To be mounted from random poles in early October, the colorful banners will remain through at least December 2012. The flags will read, “Celebrating 10 Years of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway!”
The banners will be manufactured by the same business that develops the downtown decorations for MainStreet Cleveland. Once available, they will be hung by Cleveland Utilities, Fisher said.
Anyone can finance a banner sponsorship — businesses, groups, individuals or others. Sponsors’ names will be placed on a separate sleeve at the bottom of the banner which will remain for the entire 15-month period along the Greenway.
Checks may be made payable to Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway and must be received before the banners can be ordered.
To reserve an anniversary banner or to obtain additional information, Greenway enthusiasts should call 728-7105 or send an email to info@cbcgreenway.com.
Once a Phase 5 connector has been completed later this year, the linear park will be approximately 4 miles long. In years to come, the long-term goal of the Greenway board is to stretch the trail all the way from the Village Green Shopping Center north to the Hiwassee River.
An array of amenities have been designed and constructed along the Greenway’s shoulders over the past few years such as a playground, benches, historic markers, a water fountain and a restroom, and more will be coming, Fisher said.
