Pollinator crosswalk and sidewalks

Idea:

The town of Greenfield, MA has a honeybee crosswalk in downtown to honor Rev. Langstroth, a sometime resident who revolutionized beekeeping by the discovery of the beespace. I would adapt this idea to a current problem, the plight of pollinators, by painting them on crosswalks and sidewalks. Our teen group is working on helping monarch [Read more…]

Benefit:

Beauty and environmental awareness. The Acre would be good because that area needs beautification and it is where our youth group works. It would be great in the "arts district" downtown, too.

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Pop-Up Cinema

Idea:

An inflatable movie screen and projector that can travel to neighborhoods and show movies, short films, etc, in communities that might not otherwise see such things.

Benefit:

It would bring cinema to more neighborhoods in Lowell and allow organizers to share movies from many cultures. Create community.

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Protected Bike Lane

Idea:

Build a temporary protected bike lane every Sunday for a month connecting one of the neighborhoods to downtown. Haverhill made one on their main street recently as part of Better Block Haverhill.

Benefit:

It will show people that having a protected bike network in Lowell could reduce congestion, help businesses, reduce emissions, and increase quality of life for Lowellians.

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Public Chess Match

Idea:

Reach out to LHS, UML, or other chess clubs to have public chess matches in the parks. We could bring out chess tables for a day in a visible park like Clemente park or Kerouac Park and advertise in the city calendar. This might also work for a plaza instead, such as JFK Plaza.

Benefit:

People that pass by are intrigued and watch the matches and it brings excitement and interest to the area. It would help test out whether permanent chess tables in downtown areas would be utilized and a welcome addition.

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Recycling Team

Idea:

Cans get thrown away at community events! What a waste. A team should go to events and make sure they recycle and donate the money they raise. We can research what existing groups do this, and find a way to supplement or expand their reach.

Benefit:

The money could go for fundraising, there would be less waste, and more recycling. It would also people to recycle at home.

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Reiki Image Proliferation

Idea:

I would use the $1000 to produce banners bearing Advanced Reiki energy medicine symbols, and place them on lightposts in areas of Lowell. I would look into commissioning murals bearing Reiki symbols. And I would have medium sized boulders bearing Advanced Reiki symbols placed in public parks.

Benefit:

These symbols are said to enhance flow of energy, justice and cheer, improve the image of a place or person or thing, and to spread knowledge. I would love to work with DIY for these projects even if my proposal is not chosen, as I believe it is valuable to [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Repaint Park Equipment

Idea:

Repaint playground and park equipment with American flag, Spanish flag, and other flags of the park visitors.

Benefit:

Would make the park colorful, not nasty

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Repaint Sidewalk Sam’s Peace Doves

Idea:

Boston artist Sidewalk Sam had painted peace doves in several locations. They need repainting and he has since passed away. As a former volunteer, I would love to repaint them and more in his memory.

Benefit:

Reminders of peace in highly visible places during times of violence. See Bob Guilleman, "Sidewalk Sam"

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Repaint Sidewalk Sam’s Peace Doves

Idea:

Boston artist Sidewalk Sam had painted peace doves in several locations. They need repainting and he has since passed away. As a former volunteer, I would love to repaint them and more in his memory.

Benefit:

Reminders of peace in highly visible places during times of violence. See Bob Guilleman, "Sidewalk Sam"

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Retaining Wall Renovation

Idea:

The little retaining wall by the footbridge over the canal by the Swamp Locks is starting to attract graffiti…why not hire an artist to paint it with something amazing and local instead.?

Benefit:

Many people, locals and visitors alike, walk past the Swamp Locks and over the footbridge. The retaining wall could be painted to give some information about the lock/waterpower/history of the park and inform while at he same time giving folks something beautiful to look at.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.