Inside the tunnel was a display of some of the art work submitted for consideration for the tunnel walls. And there was active art in the making – chalk art. (These artists were totally engrossed as dozens and dozens of people walked by.)

Free bicycle helmets were distributed by the Lebanon Planning and Development Department’s Rebecca Owens, on behalf of the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Advisory Committee, and with assistance from FNRT and UVMBA volunteers. The helmets were donated by CHaD and, in addition to various safety stickers and guidance, were eagerly received by over 30 children between the ages of 2-14. The remainder will be used tor Lebanon Recreation programs. If you missed out, contact Rebecca.Owens@lebanonnh.gov about extras that may be available via CHaD or APD.

People viewed the various tables, had their bikes checked at the Omer and Bob’s tent, and were encouraged to walk through to view the Pocket Park at the far side.

Messages were sent from our New Hampshire and U.S. Senators and Representatives:

“We should all take a moment to recognize the efforts of everyone who worked to turn the vision behind this project into an exciting reality. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement and my best wishes for a great celebration.” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

For more photos of the tunnel event see https://www.travispaigephotography.com/Events/Lebanon-Tunnel/

For good things to happen, it often takes a village . . . but weeding the mini-meadow pollinator garden on the Goss Logan hillside required a village with a mountain goat. . . or at least a sure-footed 13-year old. Too steep for elder gardeners to negotiate the slope, we had the good fortune of an able-bodied student who needed 2 1/2 hours of community service to complete her end-of-year commitment. Extensive weeding, laying down cardboard, and mulching with wood chips . . . Melanie did an excellent job, while her elders weeded, deadheaded, and transplanted below, all in preparation for the Grand Opening of the tunnel on July 8th!

Lebanon Tunnel Grand Opening Event on July 8th

Exciting news! We are pleased to announce that work on the Downtown Lebanon Tunnel Project is nearly complete and a grand opening event will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. 

This event will include live radio by “The River”, public art voting, sidewalk chalk, a scavenger hunt, and a bike rodeo that includes: bike checks by Omer & Bob’s, helmets giveaway, bike registrations, a bike safety obstacle course, and e-bike loan signups. 

Pre-registration is not required for this event. Masks will not be required but are recommended for people who are not fully vaccinated.

Schedule of Events

• 4:00pm: Mascoma River Greenway Bike Ride
• 5:00pm: Hear Here the Engineer
• 5:15pm: Mayor Remarks
• 5:20pm Ribbon Cutting
• 6:00pm Group Dog Walk
• 7:00pm: Front Porch Concert by Cold Chocolate

Prepared food will be available at the Lebanon Farmers’ Market from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. 

We look forward to celebrating this exciting, new addition with you! If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to contact the Recreation, Arts, and Parks Department. 

Additional Information

Are you wondering where the Downtown Tunnel is located? Please review the following aerial photo to see where the tunnel is located in relation to Colburn Park and the Lebanon Mall. The blue line indicates where the tunnel will run below the Lebanon Mall parking area and Hanover Street. To learn more about the Tunnel Project, please visit LebanonNH.gov/Tunnel.

RSVP for Artist Tour

The Lebanon, NH Arts and Culture Commission is looking for artists to design, fabricate, and install a public art installation and/or mural in the newly renovated Downtown Lebanon Pedestrian Tunnel. The Tunnel is located beneath Hanover Street and the Lebanon Mall, with entrances near Goss Logan Insurance (western entrance) and the Ledyard Charter School (eastern entrance). Artists are encouraged to select themes related to Lebanon’s history, geography, natural environment, and recreational activities. (Artists also may, but are not required to, use railroad spikes left over from the development of the Mascoma Greenway.) The tunnel is 350 feet long and the walls are generally 18 feet in height. Installations and murals can be on the walls within the tunnel, with the exception of the granite stones on the eastern end. Artwork should exist within the physical structure of the tunnel without necessarily taking up the whole tunnel. In order to submit an application artists MUST RSVP for the artist tour.
Learn more and RSVP for the tour. And check out Rails to Trails info on public art for some background and inspiration.

It was a pleasure meeting this friendly couple on the Greenway today. She was riding her new trike, a gift from her husband a few days ago. They are recent transplants from Alaska and are enjoying easy access to the MRG. Jogging, biking, triking, skateboarding, rollerblading, dog-walking,  traveling on cross-country skis or snowshoes  .  .  .  many ways to enjoy the MRG!

The City will be performing sewer cleaning and lining on the Sewer Interceptor starting July 20^th continuing until mid October. The work will cause minor traffic delays on Mechanic Street (between Carpet Mill and Maplefields) and Glen Road (from the underpass to Seminary Hill).

Work will also be taking place along the parts of the Mascoma River Greenway from Glen Road to behind Entertainment Cinemas. The Mascoma River Greenway will remain open but at times be narrowed to accommodate construction vehicles.

For additional information or questions please contact Erica Brittner at 603-442-6147 or brittner@Lebanonnh.gov.

(Thanks to Sarah Riley for this photo.)