Carman Dufferin’s Communities in Bloom is preparing for a surge of community initiatives in anticipation of the incoming summer season.
The local, non-profit organization is composed of volunteers who are dedicated to beautifying and bolstering community infrastructure.
Its latest initiative includes a re-envisioned future for the Friends and Family Park on 5th Street NW, with the goal of creating a space for families and children to gather and enjoy the natural environment.
Possible upgrades to the park were a point of discussion when the 2024 CIB volunteers met April 16 to discuss the full slate of beautification projects for the rest of the year.
The group hopes to add a picnic area, shade sail, and other family-friendly features at the park, plus new plantings of wildflowers and grasses.
The group will undertake fundraising efforts and seek support from local residents to complete the project.
“We have planted trees to provide necessary shade. The park needs additional structures to spark children’s imagination and provide a safe play environment as well as comfortable seating for adults. Our wish is to make this park so inviting that it becomes a real attraction for this community,” said CIB co-chair Judy McGregor .
“Some fundraising has been done and we thank those who have already contributed. Please watch for more opportunities to contribute or contact a member of CIB.”
The organization is also developing a pollinator habitat in Boyneside, where it has already planted many native plants and plans to add more in the lower natural space along the river. The project is to be coordinated by local volunteer Julie Reuben McDonald, who is working with the David Suzuki Foundation.
As part of its spring-cleaning efforts, the group will host its second annual Clean Sweep Day on May 3.
“CIB is encouraging both kids and adults to get excited about helping improve the town’s attractiveness, and be involved any way they wish to tidy up playgrounds, pathway areas and public parks,” the spokesperson said.
Other upcoming projects include:
– CIB volunteers will judge a third annual Yard of the Week program.
– CIB volunteers will get busy this spring planning and planting street planters once again. The planters have earned the Town of Carman significant accolades in recent years.
– CIB is planning a public art project for mid June.
– CIB encourages homeowners, businesses and anyone looking after public space florals to consider planting orange flowers for 2024. Orange is the colour selected by the national Communities in Bloom program to honour Canada’s Indigenous citizens and the respectful relationship all must have with one another and the living world.
