Beautification program focusing on downtown Youngstown will be May 31

By David Skolnick | March 22, 2014 at 12:07a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown CityScape kicked off its fundraising effort for Streetscape, its 17th annual beautification program that focuses on downtown and nearby areas.

The agency usually raises about $50,000 for the program; the money is used to purchase flowers, shrubs, mulch, and planting and cleaning equipment. The fundraising kickoff began Friday.

Streetscape is from 8 a.m. to noon May 31.

“The goal is beautification,” said Sharon Letson, executive director of Youngstown CityScape, which oversees the Streetscape program. “A more attractive downtown invites more businesses. The goal is to make the experience of visitors to downtown a good one.”

Focus areas include Wick Park, West and East Federal streets, the John Young Memorials, the Police Memorial at Front Street and South Avenue, the Choffin hillside and city hall.

“Our focus is the city’s core, but we also support neighborhood groups throughout the city with plants and mulch,” Letson said. “We depend on neighborhood groups to do work in places we can’t get to.”

This year’s program is called “We Canna! Canna You?” in honor of the late Dick Mills, who planted cannas — a tropical plant similar to a lily — downtown, Letson said.

Among those at Friday’s kickoff at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens was Glenda House, a Streetscape committee member who’s volunteered since 2003.

“I’m an avid gardener, and it’s great to see this grow every year,” she said. “It makes the city look beautiful. It makes people want to come downtown. The event brings people together. I meet new people each year.”

For the event to be a success, the committee needs volunteers and money, said Scott Schulick, Streetscape’s co-chairman.

“You can beat around the bush, but the bottom line is show us the money,” he said. “You can see your investments bloom all over the city.”

To volunteer or donate money to Streetscape, go to CityScape’s website, youngstowncityscape.com.