AIB recognized Akron for its landscaped areas including the flowerscape adopt-a-beds program from Keep Akron Beautiful, the newly restored Alexander Park on West Market Street, Mud Run Golf Course and the city’s vegetative abatement landscapes used to beautify and control noise on our highway system.

Paula Davis, executive director of Keep Akron Beautiful said the city put forth a tremendous campaign and tour for the judges from AIB, "Our folks did a wonderful job of giving America In Bloom a good close look at our city and what has been done to beautify our neighborhoods, city streets, parks and even our highways. Our population category had the toughest competition of all, according to the judges. We are very proud of how we came out."

Mayor Don Plusquellic credits Davis and Keep Akron Beautiful with the effort the organization puts into its job every day to make Akron a cleaner and more attractive community. The mayor said, "As I drive around our city, I am constantly in awe of the creativity of our staff and volunteers in the plantings and landscaping that they have done. It gives our city a fresh, vibrant look that tells our citizens and visitors that we truly care about our community."

Kalamazoo County, Michigan placed first; Akron was second; Des Moines, Iowa third and Modesto, California was fourth in the judging.

America In Bloom is a national beautification program committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and friendly competition.