As Reimagine Chatham projects advance, results soon will be visible

Reimagine Chatham is composed of partner groups, including the Chatham Rotary Club, Chatham First and the town, along with other business and civic groups.

Started in 2023, the goal was to develop a growth and renewal plan for the town and vicinity that stretched from Tightsqueeze to Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex.

After the plan was in place, the next item of business was to put it into action.

With the help of a $201,350 grant from an undisclosed trust last year, a feasibility study for walking trails and a branding and marketing study were completed in the spring.

The initiative unveiled a new logo nearly a year ago that incorporates historic buildings in the small town on either side of an oak tree. When looking closely enough — perhaps a squint is necessary — the tree reveals a heart, a nod to the Virginia is for Lovers tourism theme.

A committee is working on developing the trails with help from Hargrave Military Academy and Chatham Hall, according to a news release.

Volunteers from those two schools plus the Chatham High School football team are making it come to life.

The first nature walk portion is in progress on Hargrave property. On the north end of town across from the former Gilbert's Restaurant, a trailhead and parking area are under construction.

A contract for signs is scheduled to be awarded in a few weeks after a final design is approved.

“Thanks to volunteer support from Chatham Hall students and faculty, the nature trails on Chatham Hall property are largely complete, with the next step being to connect the Chatham Hall trails to the Town's trail system,” the news release reported.

Working to “deploy the brand,” Chatham First also is in charge of the design and painting of town murals.

The first will go on the south wall of the El Cazador Restaurant at Main and Pruden streets, the release explained.

The other will be on the Depot Street underpass with the overall goal to improve that entrance to town.

Last year, the western entrance to Chatham along Depot Street — something that for decades was unsightly — was cleaned up. The town partnered with Reimagine Chatham, with each contributing $21,000 to the transformation effort.

Another mural on the other side of the underpass also is being considered, and business owners also have shown interest in having murals on their walls.

Another mural project and two more next year are possible.

“All these initiatives, each driven by civic organizations and volunteers, supported by town leadership, and funded by community-minded foundations and trusts, are aimed at improving the quality of life and environment in Chatham and the surrounding area,” the news release stated. “Teamwork and a common purpose have been the key element of success thus far, and provide hope for more betterments in the coming years.”