The Town of Hillsville is making strides in improving the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike. Through a recent Community Vitality Grant (CVG) from Virginia Main Street, Hillsville completed a series of wayfinding and pedestrian improvements designed to enhance connectivity, strengthen the sense of place, and make downtown easier to explore.
A key component of the project was installing 10 new wayfinding signs at strategic locations throughout downtown. The signs direct visitors to public parking and other key destinations, making it easier to navigate Hillsville and encouraging people to spend more time exploring what the downtown district has to offer.
The project also brought new pedestrian amenities to the Cranberry Plains Community Crossing. A rock seating area and additional streetscape elements created a more welcoming pathway to the Farmers Market deck while providing a comfortable place for residents and visitors to gather, rest, and enjoy the downtown.
“The CVG Grant resulted in the successful completion of key infrastructure and placemaking improvements that enhanced both the functionality and appeal of downtown Hillsville,” said Lauren Chitwood, the Tourism Director & Farmers Market Manager. “The installation of the rock seating area along the Cranberry Plains Community Crossing created a defined, welcoming pathway to the Farmers Market deck while also providing a comfortable space for visitors to gather and rest. Additionally, the implementation of public parking wayfinding signage significantly improved navigation throughout downtown, making it easier for visitors to locate parking and access key destinations. As a result of these enhancements, the project increased walkability, improved the overall visitor experience, and encouraged greater use of public spaces.”
Together, these improvements are helping create a more connected and inviting experience in Hillsville. By making downtown destinations easier to find and public spaces more comfortable and accessible, the project supports increased walkability and encourages visitors and residents alike to stay downtown.
Photo courtesy of Heart of Hillsville
