Beautification

PUBLIC  LAND  BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMS-

Adopt-A-Site

The Adopt-A-Site program is a beautification project that involves volunteers who plant and maintain public lands in Akron on an ongoing basis. KAB assists by advising groups on site choice and landscape plans, first year site preparation, wholesale purchase of plant materials and free hydrant connections for watering. KAB provides bags for cleanups and trash removal at season's end and gives instructions for proper planting and maintenance techniques during the spring clinic. If you are interested in starting an Adopt-A-Site in your neighborhood, call KAB early in the year to discuss your ideas. We will be delighted to welcome your volunteer group into the program! 

Our Flowerscape Director, Polly Kaczmarek, helps to coordinate over 80 Adopt-A-Sites in all ten wards of the city. This gardening program oversees and guides the volunteers who beautify neighborhood sites on public land. Neighborhood sites must meet and follow basic criteria before becoming Adopt-A-Sites, such as they must have water accessibiltiy. This year KAB has has 7 new sites joining our neighborhood and civic groups, schools and metropolitan housing authority sponsored locations. Each year in April, the agency hosts a training workshop clinic so the Flowerscape Director can show new community volunteers how to maintain their annual beds for 4 months via a PowerPoint show .  All volunteers are welcome to attend.

Each year in February, people start to think SPRING and call our agency to see what the Adopt-A-Site program is all about. If you or a group of your neighbors are interested in volunteering to create a beautification site in your neighborhood, call us in February 2009 to get the details! Ask to speak with Paula Davis, President & CEO. 330-375-2116.

 

Flowerscapes

In 2007, there were KAB Flowerscapes sites on every traffic island, city corner and expressway ramp downtown. In addition, there were floral displays at Alexander Park, Cotter Park, Lock III Park and Canal Park Stadium! The 45 beautification locations had 34,846 plants installed and the most advanced computerized timers controlling the sprinkling systems. The 2007 Flowerscape budget was $ 149,475 but as the program has become more efficient and professional over the years, the agency has managed to keep the budget stable. The degree of pride generated by these oases of color was well worth the continued support of the private sector, from which supplemental monies for this public project was raised.

 

It takes full-time Flowerscape Director, Polly Kaczmarek, months to do landscape plans and place nursery orders so that just about the time citizens are picking up litter, our paid Foremen and crews are preparing the beds for another successful season of blooming color! A new Flowerscape has been added  at the Historical Marker for the Howard Street District this season. At the Summit County Courthouse  Flowerscapes appear as well as adjacent to the downtown parking deck. Flowerboxes will be holding cascading blossoms at three public sites this summer. 

Public Speaking and Presentations Available. Call Keep Akron Beautiful at (330) 375-2116 to request a PowerPoint presentation for your group.  Ask to speak with Paula Davis or Polly Kaczmarek. 

Beautification Watch Awards 2007

Last year over 2,750 certificates were awarded to organizations and residents who made a special effort at maintaining and beautifying their property. The award, suitable for framing, is signed by the mayor of Akron, president of city council and KAB chairman of the board. Our KAB volunteers spend many hours every July canvassing the city. The awards are distributed annually in  September to worthy recipients whose properties are well maintained, free of weeds and litter and stand out from their neighbors' properties.

 Alice Haley has volunteered for 2 years now and has donated her time time and computer talents to this project by helping to create the database of citizens who were nominated for 2007 Beautification Watch award.  Thanks to community volunteers like Alice and our loyal and dedicated board members and the KAB staff, this nonprofit agency is able to recognize you for making a difference! Thank you.