Sidewalks for a Neighborhood by Bryeton

Sidewalks for a Neighborhood by Bryeton - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

If I were to make an improvement to my neighborhood, I would add sidewalks to the neighborhood. My neighborhood has many people who enjoy walking in the morning or the evening. Unfortunately, their favorite walking times are also the busiest times for cars to drive on the streets. This creates a level of danger for the walkers, as sharing the road with motor vehicles makes an accident more likely. Adding sidewalks would allow the walkers to continue a favorite hobby while also allowing them to stay safe. When people do not have to share a road with cars, it makes them less likely to be hit, making them safer in the long run. Adding sidewalks would allow residents to stay safe while walking. The main challenge to overcome would be funding. I estimate that such a sidewalk system for our neighborhood would take up 21,804 square feet of concrete. At a rate of $18 a square foot of concrete, this system would cost about $395,000. While a collection of funds could be taken among neighbors, it would likely not be sufficient, so we would likely have to apply for a loan or a grant to accomplish the project. However, once the challenge of funding is overcome, the rest of the project should go smoothly if we hire a good contractor.