Youngstown’s beautification program is Saturday

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Volunteers will plant flowers and shrubs, mulch areas and remove debris from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday as part of the 17th annual Streetscape beautification program.

The event, which focuses on downtown and nearby areas, is coordinated by Youngstown CityScape, an agency that works to revitalize downtown and its gateways through beautification, education and preservation.

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.

Neighborhood groups are involved with cleanups in various areas throughout the city.

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.

North Phelps Street between Federal and Commerce streets will be closed from 3 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday as a result of the event, the preparation and post-event cleanup work.