May 19, 2022- Volunteers of the Beautify Decatur Coalition, spent the afternoon planting flowers at several staple locations all across Decatur.
The coalition was started in 2012, and its’ sole purpose was to get community members involved in “increasing the curb appeal and creating a clean, beautiful public presence.” Volunteers accomplish this feat through plant installation, city clean-ups, no litter zones, greenspace development, and more.
“It was founded and begun by Jill Davis and Susan Avery(board members of Beautify Decatur) , to instill a mindset in Decatur people that we all need to be a part of beautifying Decatur,” Kathy Sorensen, Chair of Blooms and Landscape Committee said. “We need to not throw litter out, and pick it up when we see it. And take pride in our community.”
The plant installation began with several volunteers gathering at the Decatur Public Library, and then making their way to their installation spots. Most volunteers could be found outside of the Lincoln Square Theater, which is currently going through renovations, and expected to be complete, come fall. Other locations included the Salvation Army, the Decatur Civic center, and ADM.
Volunteers representing a variety of organizations, participated in the installation. Organizations included Blooms and Landscape, the Decatur Garden Club, ADM Cares, Beautify Decatur, and the Golden K Kiwanis Club. Each group was designated to a location.
While many of the volunteers believe they have an obligation in making Decatur more appealing, they also have a passion for this work.
“We want to make Decatur more beautiful and more appealing to the community,” Suzie Wools, a member of the Garden Club said. “We just feel that by sprucing up downtown it makes the community look better. Personally, I love gardening and this is an outlet for me.”
Below is the full interview with Kathy Sorensen, Chair of Blooms and Landscape Committee.
Check out the Beautify Decatur photo gallery below.
