Jamestown Sidewalk Work Begins This Spring
A project is in the works that is designed to improve mobility and promote Tuolumne County’s film history.
Jim O’Neil, Board Member with the Promotions Club of Jamestown, was Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
Last year, the County secured an estimated $910,000 for sidewalk improvements in Jamestown, and the Promotions Club of Jamestown raised money to turn portions into a walkway that promotes the rich film history of the region.
Medallions, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will be placed along a stretch of sidewalk between Rocca Park and Railtown 1897. The committee is co-chaired by Jim O’Neil and Charlotte Hague.
“We’ve always had this vision of linking Railtown and downtown Jamestown together,” says O’Neil. “Our vision is to enhance our culture and history, and do it in a way that’s pleasing to the public and drive more visitors to Jamestown.”
The medallions will showcase films shot in Tuolumne County, and they will be sponsored by individuals or organizations. There will be 30 medallions initially, and sponsorship was $1,000 dollars. Notably, Railtown 1897 has been featured in several popular films and TV shows, ranging from Pale Rider to Back To The Future III.
In addition, there will be a mural painted at the corner of Main Street and Seco Street to promote Jamestown. There’s also plans for a kiosk, or information center, in downtown Rocca Park, and an increased effort to promote the community’s general history and natural resources. The committee and the county have been working together on many of these proposed improvements.
O’Neil is expecting construction to start around April on the sidewalk project. The medallions have been completed and delivered. The medallions are made of cast iron. Each one weighs forty pounds.
Over the years, it has been noted by many that tourists will often stop in downtown Jamestown, but not Railtown, or vice versa. This project will be a way to promote the idea of walking back and forth to both tourist destinations. The Walk Of Fame will start in Rocca Park, travel to Seco Street, to 9th Avenue, to 5th Avenue (Railtown 1897).
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 AM.
