MORENCI — New artwork for Alley 221, a parklet in downtown Morenci, was unveiled during the city’s Fall Fest on Oct. 5.
The artwork at Alley 221 is refreshed twice a year — once in late spring and again in early fall. For the fall art reveal, paintings created by local community artists over the summer are showcased. These works, which are on plywood and treated to withstand outdoor conditions, will be on display throughout the fall and winter months. In the late spring, artwork from Morenci High School art students will take their place.
Once the current artwork is taken down, it will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going toward beautification projects in Morenci. This year’s featured community artists are Deborah Stover Beck, Susan Miller, Shawne Sarnac, and Luci Shaffer.
The art displays are a project of the Revitalize Morenci Initiative, a nonprofit organization.
City awarded DNR funds for tree planting project: The city of Morenci was awarded $218,165 for a tree planting project from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry grant program. This project aligns with the goals of the Michigan Forest Action Plan, the city’s five-year park plan, and the Downtown Development Authority’s priority of establishing an urban tree canopy.
The project is designed in collaboration with a licensed landscape architect and includes planting trees along Main and North streets. Two years of tree maintenance is included, along with training programs through the Michigan International Society of Arboriculture for city staff, students, and residents. These hands-on workshops will focus on best practices for tree planting, care, and long-term maintenance. An arborist will provide expert advice to guide the city’s Department of Public Works in maintaining trees in public spaces, including parks and cemeteries. The city will adopt tree care guidelines recommended by the DNR to ensure long-term health and sustainability, with all necessary tools for pruning, watering, and cleanup provided by the grant.
Public education is another significant component. Year-long programming, hosted by Stair District Library, will raise awareness about the benefits of an urban tree canopy.
The Morenci Area Schools’ Green Earth Club will spearhead a public outreach campaign by creating a QR code system posted on permanent stakes located near each tree. Users will be linked to educational videos about each tree species and the environmental benefits of trees.
“The project will not only enhance the beauty of Morenci’s downtown, offering shade for pedestrians and event attendees and improving air quality, but it will also boost economic growth,” said Morenci DDA chair Chelsea Craig. “The addition of a tree canopy will make the downtown more inviting, encouraging visitors to spend more time at local businesses and events.”
Morenci awarded $240,503 for local road improvements: The city of Morenci has been awarded $240,503 for critical road improvements on North Summit Street, Sims Highway, and Page Street, making travel safer and more reliable for residents and visitors.
The grant is part of a $5.1 million statewide initiative designed to help small communities across Michigan repair their local roads more quickly and efficiently. The goal is to reduce the time and money spent by drivers on vehicle repairs and make commuting easier. Since 2018, the program has helped fund road resurfacing, crack sealing, and other preservation work in municipalities with limited resources.
The city of Morenci’s road project is part of a coordinated effort to extend the lifespan of local roads and improve the overall infrastructure in the area.
The work is expected to begin in spring 2025.
