A local service organization can put the first candle on its cake. And according to leaders from the city and the organization, there is plenty of room on there for more.
The Auburn Beautification Commission recently wrapped up its first year. Since launching operations as a city organization in September 2007, the group has completed multiple projects and branched out as an autonomous, nonprofit agency.
Commission Chairman Jim Kent said the ABC did so while exceeding its budgetary and volunteer goals. Kent attributed those accomplishments to strong business memberships and an active board of directors.
“I think we underestimated the amount of volunteer time and contributions we'd get,” Kent said.
The commission has left its mark on the city since it first toured Auburn to look for improvement possibilities. Freedom Park, located on the corner of Dill and North streets, has received new planters and flowers, with some touch-up work on benches and the surrounding landscape. The commission also helped install 58 hanging flower pots in the downtown area.
Both projects were completed by Memorial Day.
“I think we received more support because we were able to get those first two projects done quickly,” Kent said. “People knew we were for real.”
Looking ahead, the ABC is planning a number of larger projects in the coming year. The “Welcome to Auburn” gateway signs at the city limits could all use some touching up, Kent said, and the sign on North Street will be the first to get a makeover.
There will be a program to improve the lighted decorations placed downtown during the holidays.
Kent said the organization is also going to begin a long term project to improve and clean up Hoopes Park. On Oct. 16, volunteers will begin moving trees to more appropriate locations in the park. Next year, they will start installing some flower beds, he said.
“You have to go with your strengths,” Kent said. “Hoopes park was the nicest city park we had at one time. We want to do the best we can to incrementally bring it back to where it used to be.”
There are also plans to have an outdoor art competition, in which artists use building and cityscapes as canvasses, Kent said.
City Manager Mark Palesh said Friday that he has been “amazed” the ABC has been able to accomplish what is has in a year. Palesh, who was on the original board when the group was a city commission, said the ABC's status as a non-profit group has helped it move along.
“The whole plan was to have them not be another arm of the city,” Palesh said. “Sometimes people don't volunteer if there is a direct connection to government.”
Ultimately, the ABC's effects can be about more than just looks, too. When businesses look to expand or relocate to an area, they look at what kind of quality of life a city can offer its employees, Palesh said.
Kent also wants the commission to serve as a catalyst for economic development.
“If we can put a little polish on (the city), it is going to help make a positive first impression for new businesses,” Kent said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
Commission Chairman Jim Kent said the ABC did so while exceeding its budgetary and volunteer goals. Kent attributed those accomplishments to strong business memberships and an active board of directors.
“I think we underestimated the amount of volunteer time and contributions we'd get,” Kent said.
The commission has left its mark on the city since it first toured Auburn to look for improvement possibilities. Freedom Park, located on the corner of Dill and North streets, has received new planters and flowers, with some touch-up work on benches and the surrounding landscape. The commission also helped install 58 hanging flower pots in the downtown area.
Both projects were completed by Memorial Day.
“I think we received more support because we were able to get those first two projects done quickly,” Kent said. “People knew we were for real.”
Looking ahead, the ABC is planning a number of larger projects in the coming year. The “Welcome to Auburn” gateway signs at the city limits could all use some touching up, Kent said, and the sign on North Street will be the first to get a makeover.
There will be a program to improve the lighted decorations placed downtown during the holidays.
Kent said the organization is also going to begin a long term project to improve and clean up Hoopes Park. On Oct. 16, volunteers will begin moving trees to more appropriate locations in the park. Next year, they will start installing some flower beds, he said.
“You have to go with your strengths,” Kent said. “Hoopes park was the nicest city park we had at one time. We want to do the best we can to incrementally bring it back to where it used to be.”
There are also plans to have an outdoor art competition, in which artists use building and cityscapes as canvasses, Kent said.
City Manager Mark Palesh said Friday that he has been “amazed” the ABC has been able to accomplish what is has in a year. Palesh, who was on the original board when the group was a city commission, said the ABC's status as a non-profit group has helped it move along.
“The whole plan was to have them not be another arm of the city,” Palesh said. “Sometimes people don't volunteer if there is a direct connection to government.”
Ultimately, the ABC's effects can be about more than just looks, too. When businesses look to expand or relocate to an area, they look at what kind of quality of life a city can offer its employees, Palesh said.
Kent also wants the commission to serve as a catalyst for economic development.
“If we can put a little polish on (the city), it is going to help make a positive first impression for new businesses,” Kent said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
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