The Downtown State College Improvement District has launched the “Calder Way Construction Crawl,” a kid-friendly program designed to support local businesses during the ongoing Calder Way infrastructure project in State College.

The new downtown initiative is aiming to turn construction season into an opportunity for local families and businesses alike.

Through the crawl, children can pick up a free hard hat and collect at least five stickers from participating downtown businesses to receive a free activity book. Parents or guardians who accompany them can also enter a monthly raffle to win a $150 Downtown Gift Card through July.

Lee Anne Jeffries, executive director of the Downtown State College Improvement District, said the initiative was inspired by lessons learned during the project’s first phase in 2024.

“During the first phase of the Calder Way project, we saw how construction can impact foot traffic for our businesses,” Jeffries said in a statement. “With the Construction Crawl, we’re turning that challenge into an opportunity, giving families a reason to come downtown, celebrate the progress on Calder Way, and support the small businesses that keep our community strong.”

The crawl will run throughout the current construction phase, which is expected to conclude in July.

To participate in the Construction Crawl, children can pick up free hard hats at Growing Tree Toys, located at 202 S. Allen St., or at the Downtown State College Improvement District office at127 S. Fraser St. They can then visit at least five participating businesses to collect stickers, including Fraser Street Commons, Signature Engraving, Dagu Rice Noodle, Duck Donuts, 3 Dots Downtown, Evolve Studio, Cuts by Christy Orso, The Nittany Quill, Town Pride State College, Kitchen Kaboodle, and Federal Taphouse.

After collecting the required stickers, children can return to the district office to receive their free activity book, while parents can enter the gift card raffle.

The Calder Way project is a multi-phase effort to replace aging utility infrastructure and create a more pedestrian and bike-friendly corridor downtown.

Phase two began in early February and spans from South Fraser Street to South Atherton Street. Work includes replacing and improving sanitary sewer, stormwater, water, and gas main lines, removing previously abandoned lines, and preparing for the relocation of electric and telecommunications lines underground.

According to the project website, phase 2A is scheduled from March through July and will include utility replacements at the Hetzel Street intersection.

In October, the State College Borough Council approved a $3.19 million low bid for phase two construction. The borough received a $2.75 million H2O PA grant to fund sewer, storm, and water improvements, while the State College Borough Water Authority is contributing $228,954 for waterline replacement.

Similar work was completed during phase one between McAllister Street and South Fraser Street. Utility replacements for the remaining sections between McAllister and South Garner streets are expected in 2027.

The final stage of the project, with a timeline yet to be determined, will focus on streetscape improvements from Hiester Street to South Fraser Street. Plans include enhanced pedestrian lighting, stamped pavement, a dedicated bike lane, and a shared public corridor designed to create a more welcoming downtown space.

As construction continues through the summer, district officials hope the initiative keeps foot traffic flowing and families engaged while downtown undergoes its transformation.