MARCH 25, 2025|
Photo – Hanna sign – Bigfoot99 file photo
In Hanna, after town officials met with Discover Carbon County, the community leaders have decided to focus their efforts on improving the park located on the southwest side of town.
On January 30th, representatives from the Carbon County Visitors Council, also known as Discover Carbon County, met with Hanna residents to discuss ways to attract more visitors to the former coal mining town.
At the time, Destination Development Coordinator Cindy Loose said the meeting was the first in a series, designed to improve the tourism experience in the community in northern Carbon County.
Prior to the meeting, Loose developed an online survey to gather public feedback on the town’s strengths and perceived weaknesses. Based on the survey results, Loose said tourists will be drawn to Hanna because of its unique attractions, such as its mining history and open skies. However, visitors may avoid the town due to its remote location and lack of lodging.
At the end of the meeting, Loose asked the members to brainstorm ways they would like to see the town improve.
The Carbon County Visitors Council held a second community branding committee meeting on February 24th to further refine the committee’s ideas. Plans included the creation of a heritage walking trail through town, highlighting the town’s mining and railroad history, building an amphitheater to host local artists and musicians, and organizing an annual stargazing festival with guided astronomy tours.
The committee met again on March 6th. After reviewing the available options, the community branding committee concluded that Hanna needs more signs to guide visitors to points of interest and that the town’s parks need improvement.
At the March 11th Hanna town council meeting, Mayor Charlie George said due to budgetary concerns, the committee has decided to focus on improving Energy Park, located on the southwest side of town.
As reported by Bigfoot99, the town of Hanna applied for a $4,000 grant from the Wyoming State Forestry Division. In exchange for 20 trees, the town will contribute $2,000 toward the grant.
At the March 11th town council meeting, Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales said she has applied for the forestry grant as well as a Carbon County School District Two Recreation Board grant to purchase new playground equipment for Energy Park.
Mayor Charlie George said additional work on the park will happen once the town appoints a full Parks and Recreation Committee.
Once the Parks and Recreation Committee is back up and running, Mayor George said they will focus on obtaining signage and new benches for Energy Park.
Carbon County Visitors Council Chief Executive Officer Leslie Jefferson has said in the past that her organization can provide grant money for the purchase of wayfinding signs.
