Sidewalks Connect and Reflect a Community

I have been trying to get more exercise, so I have been walking several miles along the streets of Keyser most every evening. If you haven't taken the time to wander around your community, then I invite you to do so, because the sidewalk is a great way to meet your community. The sidewalks are your connection to your neighbors.

One of the first things you will notice is most of the sidewalks in Keyser were built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and that they were build in 1940 and 1941. The quality of the work and craftsmanship represents a time when we built things to last. After nearly 70 years in the ground they still bare the mark of the WPA (See right). This was a time when many were out of work, but they didn't just take money from the government. They took a job with government and gave something back to the community. A quality product that is still in use today as many of these sidewalks are still in great shape like the one to top and left left. The home owners take care of them and take pride in their community.

Unfortunately in some areas the sidewalks get abused. Not just in Keyser, but in other communities. Sidewalks were never built to be parking lots and as a result of being parked on many get destroyed. This reflects a change in attitude of people over the years. At one time most people had a respect for their community and the things it provides, like side walks. They didn't abuse the things that their own tax dollars provide.

Sometimes it is mother nature that destroys the sidewalks of a town making them hard to walk on. Tree roots are one of the hardest of mother natures tools for destroying a nice level sidewalk. Although the trees are now gone, their roots caused the damage to the side walk on the left. On the right below mother nature is reclaiming the the sidewalk with top soil and grass. There is a complete side walk under that grass although it is broken. Probably from being driven over or parked on through the years as it is now lower than the street next to it.

As the sidewalks are destroyed in our community, so are the connections to our neighbors. Gone is the smooth path where we greet and become neighbors. One of the judges of a neighborhood or a town for that matter is the condition of the sidewalks. Sidewalks are more than mere paths to walk on. They are a reflection of a community and the pride it takes in itself.

Imagine the sight of Keyser in 1941 when all the sidewalks were fresh and new. The community was fully connected and it reflected community pride and a strong work ethic. Perhaps Keyser should embark on a program of repairing and extending sidewalks into new areas of town. Let visitors know, no matter what part of Keyser they are in, it is a good section of town. Reconnect our community and reflect the pride we all feel of claiming Keyser as our hometown.