I returned on Sunday from the America in Bloom (AIB) Symposium held in Columbus, Ohio October 2-4. Earlier this year, Columbia entered the AIB competition. Through the program, participating communities are evaluated on eight areas related to appearance, environment and community involvement. City staff completed a comprehensive report on city activities and our community was visited in June by two judges who took a careful look at many aspects of our city and met with dozens of city staff and citizens.How we did: While we did not win our size category (50,000-100,000 population), Columbia did earn four out of five blooms and received special recognition for our Community Involvement efforts. Columbia has thousands of volunteers who support our municipal efforts on everything from litter control to beautification projects and neighborhood watch to household hazardous waste - and everything in between and beyond! I was very pleased that we recognized in this area because it reflects so well the dedication of our residents and also the commitment staff have made in so many city departments. Congratulations Columbia!
Community Gardens: The most impressive part of my visit to Columbus were the community gardens in cooperation with the Franklin Park Conservatory. Abandoned city lots have been leased to neighborhood groups for $1 per year. Those empty city lots which were once havens for trouble and crime have been turned into an oasis of beauty and community pride. This photo is of a juvenile offenders garden that included neat raised vegetable gardens as well as a landscaped garden along the perimeter. I know we have some programs like this in Columbia, but after hearing from those in Columbus, I think there are lots of reasons to expand what happens here. What a great way to bring people together, build pride, increase safety and produce locally-grown food!
I will soon post all the documents related to our results in America In Bloom. You can read them, as well as the rest of the details about our entry on line.
Leigh Britt
