Reflection on Walk 23 from St. Helen’s School: This interesting walk took us through four quadrants around the center point of Hwy 180 and Chestnut Ave. There was noticible noise of Hwy 180, but within a block or two away from the highway, large lot homes with old trees brought quiet and birds. These neighborhoods have an element of old, classic Fresno, with hints of orange orchards where streets and houses now stand. There was a very apparent mix of well-cared for homes and neglected homes and lots. Houses have fountains, flowers, and yard statues. There are no boarded up or burned out houses on this walk. A few undergoing remodeling, but nothing that looked obviously abandoned.
There were some front yard fences as we walked closer to the highway, but most streets had open front yards.
The walk up and over the high cat walk over Hwy 180 was a new perspective for walkers. The graffiti on the ground of the walkway was artful.
We met Sam and Mystery near corner of Belmont and Chestnut. They did not want their faces photographed. This is a very busy corner with landrymat, liquor store, and check cashing. Ethnic shops featuring many different cultures and languages all on this one corner!
We met Rick and Shaun driving around in their truck and pulling a trailer looking for work. They are remodel and asphalt contractors. They gave us their business cards.
We saw gardens — a few at apartments with south-east asian elderly woman working in their gardens.
A number of pit bulls or aggressive barking dogs behind front yard fences. The houses along the highway have a different feel than those out of ear-shot of the highway noise.
In the south west quadrant neighborhood of 180 and Chestnut, it’s a mix of small industrial and homes. Interesting tall fences hide equipment and yards of abandoned vehicles and equipment.
Everyone should see the new park at Hwy 180 and Belmont — Martin Ray Reilly Park. Beautiful! All water and energy efficient, using recycle materials. You can hear the traffic noise, but this park is well-placed to serve the many families in these neighborhoods. We met Peter shooting hoops. Peter lives across Hwy 180 and goes to Fresno City.
On this early morning of Veterans Day, we saw the living circumstances of our brothers and sisters, doing the best they can to share this space of Fresno.
