The Landscaping Division has done it once again. This fall, two former vacant lots were transformed into beautiful, green parks in the city. Manager Jon Bitzer and his crew started working on the first park at Mississippi and Arctic avenues (left), adjacent to Barbera Seafood and Produce, which is across the street from the world famous White House Sub Shop, on Wednesday, August 15, 2001. The site was prepared before nearly 1,250 square feet of concrete was poured to make the new patio and sidewalks. Next, 265 square feet of decorative brick pavers were strategically laid around the patio and sidewalks.

Construction on the 10' x 25' cedar plant trellis began as posts were driven into the ground and secured in place with concrete. Assistant Manager Bob Williams, Supervisor Angel Torres and landscaper Keith Austin built the structure according to specifications in one week. The cedar plant trellis will feature climbing roses, which were planted during construction and should bloom this coming summer. The roses will grow up and over the trellis, thus providing shade for those eating on the six picnic tables below.

Nearly 113 Evergreen shrubs, four flowering trees, 107 grasses and perennials were planted around park. 1,500 square feet of sod was laid and 150 linear feet of decorative fencing was installed. This project was finished on Tuesday, October 23, 2001.

On Tuesday, October 9, work also began on another park, this one on the corner of Atlantic and Virginia avenues (above right), adjacent to the Covenant House. This park features 180 linear feet of stone wall, 195 linear feet of curbing, 170 linear feet of brick paver border, 150 linear feet of decorative fencing with four gates and 1,300 square feet of concrete, which was poured to form the patio. Nearly 147 Evergreen shrubs, six flowering trees, and 87 grasses and perennials were planted around the park, which also features a vegetable garden. This project was completed on Wednesday, November 21, 2001.

Also, every October the Landscapers plant nearly 2,000 colorful fall mums and ornamental kale (left) throughout the city in anticipation of the chilly, harsh fall and winter seasons.