Operation Crosstown brings more art and fitness to the neighborhood

Much of the news about what’s taking place in Crosstown has been anchored by the massive overhaul taking place at the Crosstown Concourse building (formerly known as Sears Crosstown) that will become the new center of operations for the Church Health Center (CHC). But between now and the anticipated 2017 opening of the CHC facility, the surrounding neighborhood is slated to undergo a mammoth change as well.
 
Marvin Stockwell, Director of Communications for the Church Health Center, explains, “We already have a presence in the Crosstown neighborhood with our office at 420 N. Cleveland where we house the Knowledge Ministry work area and our resource development center. Operation Crosstown is our second presence in Crosstown, designed to give our CHC team the opportunity to come into the neighborhood to collaborate with residents and other neighborhood partners in advance of our move into the building.”
 
The Operation Crosstown initiative is a volunteer-driven, collaborative effort between the Church Health Center and several community partners. All project ideas come from the community, with a goal of making the Crosstown neighborhood healthier, safer, and more livable.
 
"The Church Health Center has always been focused on improving the health and fitness of Memphians," said Dylan Sandifer, Program anager of the Operation Crosstown initiative. “These projects are an opportunity to focus on that objective with our future neighbors in Crosstown, while having fun and building community.”
 
The initial project launch involved the installation of a free bicycle repair station near the bus stop shelter at Poplar and Cleveland. The station was installed on May 22 and consists of a metal pole with various bicycle repair tools and an air pump attached by cabling. The station is intended to serve people who ride their bikes in Crosstown. It is a growing constituency, including many who use their bikes as their primary mode of transportation.
 
The second planned project is a mural at Midtown Crossing Grille, a new restaurant in the neighborhood. Artists submitted proposals through May, and on June 20 volunteers will help the chosen artist install the mural. On June 27 there will be a public mural unveiling ceremony. 
 
The third physical development planned for the neighborhood is the construction of a Fitness Park. Similar to the Get RiverFit install downtown, this fitness park will have accessible fitness equipment. But it won’t just be a workout area, it will also serve as a community park. With a goal of having this space be accessible to all, there will be picnic tables and games, like horseshoes and bocce ball. June 20 is the date for the build out, and a kick-off party on June 27 will introduce people to the park and encourage them to use it.
 
After a summer of fitness and fun, Operation Crosstown will bring the season to a colorful close. Two "Paint Days" are slated for October 17 and 24. Local artists are encouraged to join others in the community to work on a second neighborhood public art piece, at a location to be determined.