Community Bulletin

Help Winter Park win again!

Last year the city of Winter Park won three awards in the nation-wide America In Bloom program (www.americainbloom.org) including Tops in our Population Category, Best Arbor Day Celebration and Best Waterways Management. Keep Winter Park Beautiful & Sustainable has entered the city in the contest again this year and judging will take place May 5 and 6 in the following categories (2013 scores noted):

1) Floral displays, 61 percent

2) Landscaped areas, 70 percent

3) Urban forestry, 82 percent

4) Environmental efforts, 83 percent

5) Heritage preservation, 73 percent

6) Overall impression, 87 percent

Last year the judges saw many businesses citywide including those on Park Avenue. Their evaluation comments and suggestions included these items that, if implemented, would improve the aesthetics and help us achieve a better score this year.

• While everything was green and healthy some shops in prominent areas need to use real plant material in their window boxes.

• The municipality, the business owners and the residents should be encouraged to add more color to their surroundings.

• Some awnings, pavement and storefronts are in need of cleaning and a bit of fresh paint.

Please take a moment to review the planters and window boxes in front of your store and help brighten up the Avenue for spring (and the judging).