Alley of the Future
In the summer of 2022, the City of Bexley is launching a bold new community challenge to help us design the "Alley of the Future".
Alleys have long served to provide access to properties, conduits for the provision of city services, and informal gathering and play spaces. The Alley of the Future contest asks community members to help us envision dynamic and community-building ways to better use the alleys that service approximately half of Bexley's homes.
The winning Alley of the Future submission will be selected as a City infrastructure project for 2023. City staff will work with the winning applicant to hone the project scope. Budgetary and practical restrictions may limit the implementation of all parts of the winning alley submittal.
Upcoming Events
August 15th: Alley of the Future Launch Workshop
September 7th: Alley of the Future Workshop: Ask-an-Expert and Q&A
September 23rd: Alley of the Future Open Office Hours
September 30th: Alley of the Future Application Deadline
Guiding Principals to Consider
A successful Alley of the Future contender will help us address challenges and opportunities around:
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
What changes to alley infrastructure and alley features can be made to address stormwater handling, native plantings and pollinators, light pollution, air quality, etc?
SAFETY
Are there ways to encourage safer alley environments for all users?
COMMUNITY BUILDING
How can alleys be designed to encourage social interaction, active play, physical fitness, etc?
MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION
How can alleys better accommodate a variety of transportation modes, including vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, etc?
PROVISION OF CITY SERVICES
How can we more effectively provide City services through alleys?
ARTS AND CULTURAL CONNECTIVITY
How can alleys provide a canvas for artistic expression and cultural connectivity?
BEAUTIFICATION
What efforts can be made to encourage naturally and architectural beautiful, tidy alley environments?
I'd Like to Participate! How Do I Get Started?
Great question. If you're interested in participating, here's how to get started:
Organize a team of households on your block to help brainstorm your alley application;
Participate in upcoming Alley of the Future workshops, where we'll help participants consider possibilities in infrastructure enhancements, and better understand options for alley improvement projects;
Craft an contest submission, and get at least 75% of alley properties on your alley block to agree to the submission;
Submit your contest application, and wait to hear back!
