On Sunday, October 24 Bike Walk Macon’s Open Streets took over Napier Heights from Linden Ave. at Mercer Village to Pio Nono Ave.

Open Streets Macon is a free event hosted once a month that allows the community to come together to take part in activities together, strengthen businesses, and inspire public spaces by temporarily closing streets to cars.

This event brought something to Napier Heights that is set to stay a while and make a difference around the neighborhood. The group led by Andrea Cooke created a sensory path along the sidewalk next to Central High School and a painted crosswalk. Cooke won a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia to create a sensory sidewalk.

“The sidewalk is for anyone and everyone,” said Cooke. “When Napier Heights was selected as one of the Open Streets sites this year, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to link these two projects together. Rachel coordinated with the art department at Central High and they created the pathway based on my best hopes and I could not be happier!”

Central High School’s art department and students played a major role in the design of the sensory sidewalk.

“It was such an awesome opportunity for our students to partner show their talents and partner with community,” said Central High School Principal Dr. Chendra Dupree. “I am so proud of our student volunteers who showed up to showcase their creativity and create the sensory sidewalk. The feedback we have gotten from other students and neighbors has been wonderful.”