Town hears beautification proposal from local 4-H Club

Members of the Helping Hands 4-H Club proposed a landscaping project for the Crouse House to the Sparta Town Council during its May 6 meeting.

Speaking on behalf of the club, consisting of about 40 home school students who meet monthly at the Sparta-based facility, were Ben Huysman, Bryanna Lindberg and Katelyn Hearl.

Hearl explained the home school students are "interested in helping our community (and) we would like to donate our time and effort to beautify our town park."

Other projects the group had taken part in include volunteering at Triple E Riding Stables, visiting nursing homes and collecting pet food for the local animal shelter.

Turning to the group's landscaping plans, Lindberg commented, " We wish to instill a sense of pride and ownership in our community by beautifying our town's public and recreational areas. Not only will it attract local townspeople, but it will also attract visiting tourists by creating this peaceful outdoor environment. By using native plants that require little maintenance, we will acquire seasons of docile splendor and radiant beauty."

With a presentation of photos being displayed behind him, Huysman ran through a list of items the group had considered using to enhance the looks of the park. They include climbing hydrangea, sage, geraniums, trout lilies, wild ginger, bleeding hearts, honeysuckle, black-eyed susans and a dogwood tree.

According to a budget for the landscaping project, the cost of the products to be purchased from Mountain Creek Nursery is $1,344. Town Manager Bryan Edwards pointed out that the funds for the project were already in the town's budget. Meanwhile, labor for installation and most maintenance for the project will be done by members of the Helping Hands 4-H Club.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Lindberg added that the club "wishes to create a peaceful, outdoor meditative space that will not only beautify our town's existing park, but will also educate the public about native, wild plants that attract wildlife. We would also like to encourage a sense of volunteerism in our community. Helping Hands are ready to accomplish this goal and we're all ready to work."

With a smile, Mayor John Miller stated, "We're so happy to have you all wanting to beautify the Crouse House. I know it's going to be beautiful." SRC Update

Barbara Lucier, Main Street coordinator with the Sparta Revitalization Committee (SRC), provided an update of the committee's upcoming events, including the June Jamboree, which will begin Memorial Day weekend.

"The June Jamboree is a month-long annual celebration in Sparta to not only attract people, but to show appreciation for their support of our town and community," Lucier stated.

 

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