May 23, 2002

National Competition to Focus on Center City and Surrounding Communities

CHARLOTTE AND MECKLENBURG COUNTY
SPRUCING UP FOR “AMERICA IN BLOOM”  

Charlotte, NC – No doubt about it – spring in the South is a wonderful time of year, especially in Mecklenburg County.  Charlotte has long been known as a city of trees. Neighborhoods new and old are ablaze in color during the spring months.  That’s why the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is taking part in a national competition to showcase our beautification projects: “America In Bloom: Planting Pride in our Communities.” 

“America In Bloom” is a national beautification program fostering civic pride in communities across the country.  It is a friendly competition that recognizes and rewards participating communities for their efforts.  Mecklenburg County’s entry in the “America In Bloom” contest will focus on Charlotte’s Center City area and the surrounding neighborhoods – Elizabeth, Dilworth, Third Ward, and Fourth Ward.  

Judges from across the nation will tour these areas on June 17 - 18, 2002.   Scoring will be based on six categories: 

·            Tidiness

·            Environmental Awareness

·            Community Involvement

·            Heritage

·            Urban Forestry

·            Landscape Areas, Floral Displays, and Turf 

Residents, businesses, churches, neighborhood associations and other property owners are encouraged to put their best "blooming effort" forward for the “America In Bloom” contest.   Park and Recreation is partnering with the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension, and other community and neighborhood associations to create a colorful and inviting atmosphere for “America In Bloom.”

 For more information on the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department or “America In Bloom,” check the Web site, www.parkandrec.com .