Beautify the Bluegrass
Celebrating community spirit, encouraging future projects
FOR THE NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, Beautify the Bluegrass is encouraging Kentuckians to nominate efforts that improve public spaces in communities across Kentucky.
“Community improvements don’t just happen,” says Jason Todd, board chairman of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. “Somebody has to make the effort, rally the troops and roll up their sleeves. We think they deserve our gratitude.”
“Thanks to Kentucky Living and our electric cooperatives for supporting homegrown efforts to make our Commonwealth even more beautiful,” says Governor Andy Beshear. Of the dozens of nominations last year, the governor honored five finalists in a Capitol Rotunda ceremony last October.
Beattyville Highway 11 Welcome Sign
“It’s like the gateway into the city limits,” explains Justin Spencer, a Jackson Energy information systems technician, one of dozens of co-op employees who volunteered to renovate the large sign welcoming visitors and reminding them of Beattyville’s annual Woolly Worm Festival.
With help from Lee County Tourism, the City of Beattyville and Downtown Main Street, volunteers pressure-washed brick pillars, installed new landscaping timbers, replaced lights with solar lamps, and added flower planters and new flags. Kentucky Living readers voted the project the recipient of the 2024 Beautify the Bluegrass Governor’s Award.
“Working with our community leaders, serving our members alongside them, that’s the co-op spirit,” says Lisa Baker, the co-op’s executive administrative assistant.
Danville’s Downtown Streetscape Project
Danville’s downtown streetscape project transformed the Main Street area into a pedestrian-friendly space, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment. This two-year, $6 million project included widening sidewalks, burying utilities and planting 60 new trees. The project also upgraded the Weisiger Park fountain, creating a central gathering spot for the community.
“We have widened the sidewalk, slowed the speed limit downtown, and afforded everybody the opportunity to have outside seating on the sidewalks,” says Mayor James “JH” Atkins.
“We wanted to make a place that was beautiful, something we could be proud of and take care of for the future,” explains City Engineer Josh Morgan. The project has been embraced by local businesses and residents, enhancing the downtown experience and fostering a sense of pride in the community.
Landscaping for Habitat for Humanity Training Center
In a showcase of cooperative spirit, two co-ops joined forces to landscape the roadside property of the Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County Training Center. This unique facility helps new homeowners learn how to maintain their homes and property.
Volunteers from Big Rivers Electric and Kenergy planted trees and shrubs, creating a natural noise barrier for the center.
“Our employees were very excited to combine efforts and take part in something that improves the community,” says Stephanie McCombs, senior communication specialist at Big Rivers. “The project not only beautified the training center but also provided a valuable learning environment for future homeowners.”
Friends of Red River Trash Cleanups
Since 1996, the Friends of Red River’s May-September monthly cleanups have removed tons of garbage and thousands of tires from Kentucky’s only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River.
“When you clean a section of river for the first time, you’re often cleaning out historic trash,” says Laura Gregory, board secretary. From a high of 70 tires in a previous year’s cleanup, Gregory was encouraged when only 17 were pulled from the river last year. The group’s documentary, River Cowboys: Keeping it Wild, raises awareness about the issue of illegal dumping and encourages community involvement.
“Change is slow, but it’s happening,” says Russ Miller, who started the Upper Red cleanup nearly 30 years ago. “You have to get in the river to see it.”
Works of Art That Bloom
In a vacant lot next to some railroad tracks in Bellevue, Devan Horton’s project, Perennial, has taken root. With support from the Kentucky Foundation for Women, Horton created botanical-based, plantable art materials. She made watercolor paints and paper from natural materials like marigolds, onion skins and recycled newspapers. The community was invited to create artworks with the materials.
“Sustainability just really started trickling into my art practice,” Horton says, “and I became obsessed with creating living art.” Now a blooming native pollinator meadow, the project symbolizes the collective good that can be achieved through community effort.
As she looked up at the flower that adorns the interior dome of the Kentucky State Capitol, Horton smiled.
“It just feels really special to be here and to be with other people doing a lot of good in Kentucky.”
