Career center programs donate completed projects to bike hostel

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Visitors to Perryville’s new bike hostel will find their stay more comfortable thanks to donations from Perryville Area Career and Technology Center programs.
The Welding Technology program at PACTC designed and created a bike-themed fire ring for Caroline’s Bicycle Hostel on South Spring Street. The Construction Technology program designed and built a picnic table for the lodging.
Caroline’s Bicycle Hostel is designed to serve the bike tourism market, and can accommodate up to seven overnight guests. Perry County roadways are part of the Great River Road Trail, and local heritage sites are popular with cyclists. Perry County Heritage Tourism operates the hostel and promotes local restaurants, breweries and wineries, shops and experiences to guests.
“Caroline’s Bicycle Hostel is the first of its kind in Perryville promoting Perry County to those exploring it by bicycle,” said Trish Erzfeld, executive director of Perry County Heritage Tourism.

“The beautifully made picnic table by Mr. Joel Kurre’s Construction Technology class is heavy, durable and perfect for our guests to relax and enjoy Caroline’s backyard together,” she said. “The custom-designed bicycle themed fire pit by Mr. Chris Tripp’s Welding Technology class is a fun conversation piece as our cyclists wind down after a full day of riding in Perry County.
“Both of these pieces add quality, value and heart to our little bicycle hostel and that it the reason people are loving it so much! These are great kids producing great pieces of work. We are thankful that they used their time and talents to make our hostel a little more special for our guests,” Mrs. Erzfeld said.
PACTC Director Craig Hayden said that the Career Center is always appreciative of the opportunity to give back to the community.
“We were very grateful for the opportunity to support tourism in our community,” Mr. Hayden said. “Career and technical education is focused on real-world application of student skills, so creating pieces that will serve guests to our community for years to come really dovetails with our mission. I’m proud of our instructors and students for embracing these projects.”