Perhaps you don't recall strolling along the sidewalks of Summerhaven.
That would be because the village in the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson doesn't have sidewalks - but that's going to change.
Pima County plans to construct a 930-foot-long, 5-foot-wide sidewalk along the town's main road to improve safety for pedestrians.
"It will extend from the end of the parking lot in front of the (Sawmill Run) restaurant in Summerhaven south to Upper Goat Hill Road," said Priscilla Cornelio, director of the county Department of Transportation.
The sidewalk, along the east side of the road, "will reach all the main businesses along the corridor and reach about halfway to the end of the main residential area," Cornelio said.
Pedestrians now must walk along a dirt shoulder that's often packed with parked vehicles on busy summer weekends.
"The sidewalk will make it safer for everybody," Cornelio said. "It will also make it easier for pedestrians to reach the businesses."
Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll, who represents the area, said the planned project has strong support from Summerhaven residents and business owners.
Work is expected to begin next summer and be completed by the end of 2013.
Funding for the $126,000 project will come from the Regional Transportation Authority, Cornelio said.
"I'm grateful for the funding," Carroll said. "I think it will be a safety measure that's well worth the taxpayers' dollars."
On StarNet
For photos of Mt. Lemmon over the years, go to azstarnet.com/ gallery
did you know?
The site of Summerhaven was known briefly as Carter's Camp back in the 1880s, but that gave way to the current name once visitors realized that the pine-forested area was, well, a wonderful haven from the heat of summer in the desert.
Source: "Arizona Place Names"
Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4192. On Twitter: @DouglasKreutz
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