Some beautification near the Tweetsie Trail could soon be on the horizon thanks to a handful of high school students.

It all started with an idea from Elizabethton High School students Cami Davison, Ellie Dugger, Nate Wetzel and Nick Street. The foursome are part of the school’s Bartleby Program Community Involvement class and decided to spruce up some space behind J’s Corner to make the Tweetsie Trail a bit more appealing for individuals coming downtown.

“There’s already plans for events on the Tweetsie Trail and so many other things going on,” Street said. “Mrs. (Megan) Ellis at the high school said she had land that she really wanted to put something on. Since it’s on the Tweetsie Trail, we decided we wanted to do something with it and create a park/picnic area with a garden.”

With the property now available to the students, the goal now is to acquire business sponsorships and other forms of donations to assist with land development. Street added the project will include benches, a picnic area, garden and other items for Tweetsie Trail users wanting to load off while taking in the sights and sounds of the area.

“It’s a perfect area,” Street said. “It gives people a chance to relax while on the trail. It’s right near J’s Corner, too.”

Street added that businesses that support the project will be able to have their work recognized with their names imprinted on the different items that’ll be at the park. Donations are also being accepted for the new park.

Individuals wanting to support the project can contact the high school at (423) 547-8015.

Being able to give back to Elizabethton and Carter County is the prime narrative of the Bartleby Program.

“I joined because everyone was talking about it and how there’s big opportunities with it,” said Dugger. “Since it’s new, you get to be part of it and later on, you get to look back and see how it’s grown. I think it’s just a really cool thing to be part of.”

Street seconded his classmate’s sentiments about the joining to be part of something new that can make an impact in the community.

“I thought it would be something neat to be part of and see what benefits there are. I’m excited to be part of it,” he said.

Wetzel and Davison added their joy with the class is having the ability to get hands-on with projects.

“I like the freedom and the project-based learning part of this project,” Wetzel said. Davison added, “the project-based learning really appealed to me, too. Being able to help with the improvement of the community is something I was excited to do.”