The Alley in downtown Fortville was created by Fortville Action Inc.
Mitchell Kirk | Daily Reporter
FORTVILLE — It was a typical dark and dingy alley without much reason to head down.
Now, thanks to a group that works to better its town, it’s become a spot for enjoying nice days and a backdrop for taking photos.
Dubbed The Alley, Fortville Action Inc.’s latest project transformed the passageway between two buildings on Main Street’s west side parallel with Mill Street.
The nonprofit organization, often referred to by its initials FAI, erected powder-coated poles down the lane and strung lights on cables overhead. Benches and tables along with potted flowers and plantings stand on a new epoxy surface. One final touch left to do are some sails that will join the lights across the top.
“It actually turned out better than what I thought it was going to,” said Bob Sterrett, FAI chair. “It really did.”
FAI got permission from the town to carry out the project last year and a $15,000 grant from the Hancock County Community Foundation to help fund it.
“I want people to know it’s just a little park right here in the middle of town,” Sterrett said. “Anybody that wants to use it, it’s here.”
Sponsors include Fortville-based Thursday Pools and downtown Fortville business owners Libby and Jeff Wyatt. Fortville-based Desco Floor Systems donated The Alley’s new surface.
“Everybody that helped us was just amazing,” Sterrett said.
With the help of the grant and sponsors, FAI members dug holes for the poles before mixing and pouring their concrete bases. Members also put together the furniture and bolted it down and prepared the pots of flowers and plantings.
”Everybody just busts their butts for us,” Sterrett said. “It’s a nice group.”
Staying as local as possible for goods and services for the project was important to FAI, Sterrett said, which was why the group went to Barn Signworks located just outside of Fortville for The Alley’s signage.
“It was an unpleasant alley,” Sterrett recalled, noting how it actually used to be a continuation of Mill Street.
He enjoys seeing people use it now as a backdrop for photos they post on social media.
“It looks so neat at night, it really does,” he said.
It’s not the first time FAI has had its eyes on the alley. The group has lined it with lit-up Christmas trees in the past for the annual Winterfest it used to organize. FAI has pitched other permanent changes to the passage as well, including painting its surface, but couldn’t get permission from the town.
The organization revived those efforts last year as the bulk of Main Street’s overhaul was getting completed.
The project also represents FAI’s transition from organizing events to focusing solely on projects. Fortville’s parks department now organizes events FAI formerly took on, like Winterfest.
“Whatever we do, we want it to last for years,” Sterrett said. “So we might spend thousands of dollars on this, but this should last longer than me. It’s going to be here long after I’m gone I hope.”
Fortville Action Inc. members
Bob and Milda Sterrett
Dave and Sharon Beatson
Pat and Linda Calhoun
Jen Sterrett
Ricky and Natalie Tucker
Missy Quiggins
Amy Kleine
Paul Cook
Haley Frischkorn
Kristi Kier
