National Program Selects Gallaher Village Square for Improvements
HUNTINGTON – A small park in Huntington’s Gallaher Village neighborhood will see improvements this summer as part of a national program that is coordinated by H&R Block and Nextdoor.
Gallaher Village Square, located along Norway Avenue in front of the Cabell County 911 Center, was one of 10 neighborhood projects selected nationwide from among more than 1,500 submissions in all 50 states. Gallaher Village Square’s application was submitted by District 6 Huntington City Councilwoman Holly Smith Mount with support from the Gallaher Village Neighborhood Association.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Gallaher Village Square,” Mount said. “With the help of H&R Block and Nextdoor, we will be able to rejuvenate the green space in that area for the betterment of the neighborhood. It is an honor to be one of this year’s recipients.”
H&R Block also selected neighborhood projects this year in Louisville, Ky.; Waldorf, Md.; Omaha, Neb.; Gilmanton, N.H.; West Milford, N.J.; Wilmington, N.C.; Del Valle, Texas; Seattle; and Madison, Wis.
This summer, H&R Block and Nextdoor will work with the nominators and local volunteers from the 10 selected neighborhoods to bring their projects to life. The companies will identify and work with professionals and local businesses who are able to help maximize impact to the local community.
The improvements at Gallaher Village Square will include installing electric, building a new shelter and cosmetic upgrades such as new doggie bag dispensers, a bike rack and paint and landscaping updates.
Gallaher Village Square was established in 2013 by the Forest Hills Neighborhood Association with support from the Walnut Hills Action Team and in-kind donations from the City of Huntington, Cabell County Commission and local businesses. The two neighborhood groups later merged to form the Gallaher Village Neighborhood Association. The park has hosted various neighborhood events, including fall festivals, Easter egg hunts and Christmas displays.
Kim Williamson, president of the Gallaher Village Neighborhood Association, said the planned improvements will allow more types of events and activities to be conducted at Gallaher Village Square, such as movie nights and farmers’ markets.
“We are incredibly thankful to Councilwoman Mount for submitting our application and to H&R Block and Nextdoor for approving it,” Williamson said. “Our neighborhood association has been very active during the past 18 months in planning upgrades to this park so we can host a broader range of events, all of which are meant to connect residents and make our neighborhood stronger.”