Beautification Initiative

First impressions matter. When someone drives through downtown Centerville, the flower baskets, clean sidewalks, and seasonal decorations signal that this is a community that cares about its public spaces. Our Beautification Initiative is responsible for those details.

What We Do

Seasonal Plantings

Each spring, our volunteers install hanging baskets, plant flower beds, and fill planters along the main corridor. We select varieties that provide color from May through October, with a mix of annuals and perennials suited to our growing zone. The fall season brings mums, ornamental grasses, and harvest-themed displays.

Holiday Decorations

From Thanksgiving through New Year, downtown transforms into a festive destination. Our committee coordinates wreaths on lampposts, garland along storefronts, a community tree, and seasonal lighting that draws families for evening strolls. Each year we add a few new pieces to keep the displays fresh.

Streetscape Maintenance

Beyond the seasonal showpieces, our volunteers help maintain the day-to-day appearance of downtown. Regular activities include:

• Weeding and watering planters during summer months
• Bench and trash can maintenance and painting
• Banner installation for community events and seasonal themes
• Coordination with the city on streetlight maintenance and sidewalk repairs
• Litter cleanup and graffiti removal

Special Projects

Larger beautification efforts happen as funding and opportunity allow. Past projects have included new street planters, a downtown mural, pedestrian wayfinding signs, and decorative crosswalk treatments.

Get Involved

The Beautification Initiative relies heavily on volunteer labor. Whether you can help for an hour on a Saturday morning or commit to regular watering shifts, there's a place for you.

• Spring planting day: Our biggest volunteer event of the year, usually the first Saturday in May. Groups, families, and individuals welcome.
• Watering crews: Small teams rotate through a weekly schedule from June through September
• Holiday decorating: Usually the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Help hang wreaths, string lights, and set up displays.
• Cleanup days: Periodic volunteer cleanups throughout the year, often tied to community service events

Interested in joining a crew or helping with a project? Sign up as a volunteer and let us know you're interested in beautification.

Adopt-a-Planter Program

Businesses and individuals can sponsor a downtown planter for $100 per season. Sponsors receive a small recognition plaque on their planter and are featured in our newsletter. It's a visible way to show your support for a welcoming downtown. (Source: Ready.gov).

Impact by the Numbers

Want to support the Beautification Initiative financially? Make a donation and note that you'd like your gift directed to beautification efforts.