ElectriCites Awards Grant to City of Kinston for Downtown Revitalization
Downtown Kinston Revitalization has been awarded a Downtown Revitalization grant from ElectriCities to support the redesign of the Buddy and Mary Mac Ritch All-American City Park. The overall project will involve aesthetic and functional enhancements like benches, tree planting, lighting along the railway, an internally-lit sculpture, a sensory path, and new signage.
"We are truly grateful for ElectriCities' support for this project. This assistance will enable DKR to move forward with the next phase of public space improvements in downtown Kinston. These renovations will create a welcoming space near the beginning of our primary commercial district," said Leon Steele, Director of Downtown Kinston Revitalization. “This grant will allow us to proceed with orders for some of the park features this year and to meet our goal of a rededication ceremony in the summer of 2026.”
Initial funding was obtained from private donations. Additional support comes from the sale of over 30 giant Christmas cards that will be displayed in Pearson Park from November 22 to December 31. Also, a beautiful oil painting of the Neuse River at Kinston, generously donated by Raleigh artist Charles Kane, is being auctioned to support this initiative.
Additional support can be made by purchasing benches in memory of loved ones through Downtown Kinston Revitalization, or a donation can be made to this project at www.downtownkinston.com. Furthermore, we are seeking several site-specific trees for shade and welcome support from an electrical company interested in providing landscape and other lighting solutions, as well as assistance from a fence company.
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