America in Bloom, a program to recognize community participation in
beautification, heritage and environmental awareness debuted in the United States in 2002
and is returning to Akron in 2003.The City of Akron, with the assistance of many
community groups and organizations, will host a visit from America in Bloom judges, Alex
Pearl and Frank Burggraf from Thursday July 24th through Sunday July 27th. Akron is one of
38 communities nationwide participating in the America in Bloom competition. Others in the
100,000 to 300,000 population category are Des Moines, Iowa and Tallahassee, Florida. The
2002 contest saw Akron nosed out by Kalamazoo, Michigan by 3 points (out of a possible
1000) in the most tightly contested match of all categories.
Entrants are judged by eight criteria: tidiness effort, environmental effort, community
involvement, heritage, urban forestry, landscaped areas, floral displays and turf and
groundcover areas. In 2002 Akron was judged best in environmental effort and landscaped
areas, and was within two points in of the lead in five of the six remaining categories.
In addition, Akron earned three special citations during the 2002 AIB venture - the
historic restoration of Alexander Park, (West Market and North Streets), the Expressway Noise
Reduction Project pioneered earth mounding with intensive plantings rather than concrete
walls (I-76/77 between Main and Dart), and the debuting Mud Run Golf
Course, constructed around an illegal dump site and wetland, to be revered and useful
to the community and to teach youth valuable life skills through the game of golf (S.
Hawkins and Morse Road).
Mayor Don Plusquellic promotes this initiative to prove Akron is a great destination to
visit, a wholesome and inspiring place to live, and a productive region in which to work.
The America in Bloom (AIB) Committee includes Robin Hardman, Sue Kruder, Nancy Parry,
Rosemary Reymann and Bill Hahn.
The Mayor and AIB Committee encourage all to take pride in their community by sprucing
up their homes, businesses, gardens and public areas for the summer and especially the
July 24-27 judges visit. Be watchful of all the ways you can help to improve the quality
of life in our community.
You may contact the AIB Committee by calling or e-mailing the committee chair, Ms.
Rosemary Reymann, at rlreymann@aol.com or (330)
867-8621.
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