Now there are two win-win programs for beautifying your home. In a previous post, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) said they will award the best implementer of their Air Quality Advisory action program. And, now, Xenia will pass out awards to property owners who enhance and beautify their properties the best.
A worthy comparison might be the Christmas Decoration Awards program in which residents are given public kudos for Christmas displays receiving the most votes.
During the month of June, July and August, you could win a pack of environmentally-friendly lawn beautification equipment and your picture in the Xenia hall of fame, or at least in the Xenia Daily Gazette.
You’ll have to ask the Recreation Department officials whether any capital improvement prizes will be included in the awards. That is, I mean money, fertilizer, trash bags, or other substantial award.
Seriously, the Board for Recreation, Arts & Cultural Activities (BRACA) established the Beautification Awards to encourage Xenia residents and other owners to develop and maintain their properties in an attractive manner, thereby improving their own neighborhood and ultimately the community as a whole. The Awards are a way to publicly recognize those individuals whose efforts qualify as personal property enhancement within the City.
What is required to qualify for a Beautification Award? Here are the things the Board will be looking for:
Structural Condition: Is the exterior of the site and any other buildings on the property in good repair?
Horticultural Aesthetics: Are there any flowers, shrubs, trees, garden, or other vegetation?
General Appearance: Neatness of the front and sides of the property. Are they litter-free? Are the surrounding areas such as an adjacent alley, abutting street curb and gutter also neat?
Lawn Condition: Is it mowed? Are weeds under control? Is it patchy with bare spots? Does it look like a golf course?
Edgings: Are the edges along driveways, sidewalks, and patios clean and trimmed? Are there weeds, grass, etc. in the sidewalk cracks and curbs? [This should be a sub-heading to the previous category]
Bonus: Extra points may be earned for work or displays that might be considered extra special, patriotic, or timely. Some examples are fountains, pools, gazebos, flagpoles, ponds, etc.
Unlike MVRPC’s Air Quality Awareness Awards program, the Beautification Awards program last five months not three. Awards will be given during the months of June, July, August, September, and October. You may nominate your own home, if you wish. Nominations may be turned in or mailed to the Recreation Department located at City Hall, 101 N. Detroit Street, Xenia, OH 45385. Nominations should be received by the 25th of the month preceding the award month.
To obtain a copy of the nomination form, go here or pick up a copy from the Receptionist at City Hall. If you have questions get answers by calling the Parks & Recreation Department at 376-7275.