Springfield Stands Out at National Beautification Awards
Springfield shines at AIB 10th Anniversary
Washington, D.C. (October 8, 2011) – The national beautification contest, America in Bloom, at its Symposium this weekend presented three awards to Springfield, Ohio for outstanding efforts through the Springfield in Full Bloom initiative.
Springfield was named the category winner for Floral Displays among 22 competing cities of all sizes across the country. In addition, Springfield took home awards for the “Best Program for Young People” for the Eco-Sports Corridor and “Best Fundraising Idea” for the Memorial Butterfly Release by Hollandia Botanical Gardens in partnership with Littleton & Rue.
“These awards belong to the residents of Springfield for the many hours people spend growing pride in their backyards and throughout the community,” said Crystal Justice, co-chair of Springfield in Full Bloom, the local steering committee that represents the community in the national contest. “It’s reassuring to know that so many people and organizations are doing the right things and coming together to make a real difference.”
Springfield in Full Bloom is a local initiative that empowers residents and businesses to grow quality of life and pride in our community by fostering synergy among beautification efforts and linking those efforts to economic development and cultural resources.
As participants in the national America in Bloom contest for the last 2 years, Springfield has hosted judges – including the former horticulture director at Disney World – who toured the city evaluating assets in 8 categories: floral displays, heritage, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmentalism, turf and groundcover, tidiness, and community involvement. In addition to on-the-spot suggestions, the judges compile a comprehensive evaluation report that provides expert insight into the community’s strengths and areas for improvement. Springfield was the smallest community this year in its population category, which included Fayetteville, Arkansas and Escondido, California. Only one community in each population category can be named an “America in Bloom City” but each receives a “bloom rating.” Last year, Springfield received “3 Blooms” out of 5 and was nominated for a category award for Heritage.
“The AIB judging process has given us outside eyes on our community-wide efforts, kudos for what we’re doing right and motivation to keep at work,” said Melanie Wilt, co-chair of Springfield in Full Bloom. “’Blooming’ is not about creating a new program, but creating energy and optimism around the assets we already have.”
The Springfield Foundation manages a non-profit fund for Springfield in Full Bloom and can accept donations on behalf of the effort.
