Cleveland began a new greenway section on Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Casteel Connector.
The connector is named for former City Manager Janice Casteel. She was present with her family as city, county and greenway officials helped launch the new Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway feature.
The connector will link the North Ocoee Street sidewalk system to Tinsley Park, and merge with the existing greenway at the pedestrian bridge that crosses Mouse Creek in the park.
City Councilman Bill Estes, vice chairman of the Greenway Board, said, "Janice has a long history with this project, starting in 2003 even before she was city manager. The name Casteel Connector is appropriate, because Janice Casteel connects people and entities. Like the greenway itself, Janice Casteel is an asset to the community."
Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis said the greenway is "the most popular project, I think, in Bradley County." He said he looks forward to more extensions in the future.
Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland thanked Mrs. Casteel for her service to the city. He thanked Parks and Recreation Director Patti Petitt and her department for maintaining the greenway and city parks. He also thanked the Greenway Advisory Board and Chairman Cameron Fisher for their work.
To Mrs. Casteel, Mayor Rowland said, "Thank you for what you have meant to the city. This connector is going to remind us every day what you still mean to the city."
Mrs. Casteel introduced her family. She also thanked her "city family" and "county family" present for the ceremony including City Council and County Commission members. She thanked the city and the Tennessee Department of Transportation for funding the connector.
The greenway, she said, "is one of our greatest assets for all our people."