The Hillyard Community Development Steering Committee is supporting a transportation enhancement grant application to improve Market Street in the downtown Hillyard business district.

The project would include eight square blocks from Haven to Greene Street and from Wabash to Everett Avenue.

The improvements would include new trees, tree grates, street lighting, benches, trash receptacles, paved alleys, north and south gateway signs and a community bulletin board.

The project would also include new sidewalks with brick channels to accommodate electrical and irrigation delivery, bump-outs to slow traffic, and custom-designed intersections with crosswalks and wheelchair access.

According to Steering Committee chairman Mike Fagan, the improvements will have a railroad motif, with a turn of the century flair similar to the South Perry Street design.

The neighborhood will work with the city of Spokane and the Washington Department of Transportation to capitalize on the intersection, crosswalk and street improvements during the widening and repaving of Haven Street and the North-South Corridor construction.

Preliminary funds are available through the Hillyard Community Development Steering Committee with potential funding through the transportation enhancement grant; Washington State DOT impact fees resulting from the North-South Corridor construction; brownfields grant, historic preservation grants, Main Street USA; Eastern Washington University foundations and grants; and the city of Spokane street bond funds.

Residents and organizations are encouraged to participate in meetings to discuss impacts on business owners and the community.

Meeting dates are available at www.historichillyard.com.

Benton to entertain at Audubon

Singer-songwriter Pamela Benton is performing from 6:30 to 8:30 tonight at Audubon Park, 2800 W. Courtland Ave. (off Northwest Boulevard).

The Northwest Neighborhood Association will sponsor the free “Concert under the Trees” event.

The concert series continues with Men of Rhythm performing on Aug. 4, and Bones, Bolan and Nelson on Aug. 18.

Dump passes available

West Central residents can pick up free dump passes beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at COPS West, 1901 W. Boone Ave. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Proof of residence is required, with a current billing from Avista or utility bill and identification.

Summer Science in the Park

Summer Science in the Park, sponsored by the Girl Scouts Inland Empire Council, will give girls the chance to launch water rockets, conduct chemistry investigations and explore an engineering project.

Events are free and open to all girls.

Activities are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Monday at Liberty Park, 1300 E. Fifth Ave.; and at noon Tuesday and noon Aug. 2 at Mission Park, 1200 E. Mission Ave.

Call 747-8091, ext. 205, for more information.

Meetings

•The Chief Garry Park Neighborhood Council will meet at 7 tonight at Mission Community Presbyterian Church, Mission and Crestline.