BIDDEFORD — April showers, with some help from local volunteers, have brought spring flowers to the city’s downtown. Instead of sleeping in on Saturday, volunteers with the Downtown Development Commission and the youth group Go Greene woke up early and hit Main Street by 8 a.m.
By 10:30 a.m., Donna and Bill Durkin were planting the last of the pansies in a small green space at the intersection of Main and Alfred streets.
The Durkins were among approximately 20 volunteers, many dressed in short sleeves and shorts on the warm and sunny day, who planted a variety of flowers in the flower boxes and green areas that line most of downtown Main Street.
“It’s a small effort that makes a huge visible impact in the downtown,” said Brian Keely, chairman of the DDC. “In three hours it makes an ”¦ impact for the entire summer.”
Throughout the summer members of the commission maintain the flowers, said Go Greene Chairman Dennis Anglea, by making sure the plants are watered and well-tended.
The idea to plant flowers was started by former commission member Debbie Litalien in the early 1990s, said Keely. Members of the DDC have been continuing the effort ever since.
Litalien said it was a group decision when the idea to plant flowers in the downtown first arose.
“I’m glad they’re continuing the tradition,” she said. “The flowers do look nice and they brighten up the downtown.”
Other groups helped with the effort, said Keely. Employees with the Public Works Department put in the soil and take care of any needed repairs to the flower boxes.
“They make sure everything is ready for us,” said Keely.
In addition, the members of Go Greene assisted the DDC with the planting this year.
The group took part, said Go Greene member Brittany Paradis, of Biddeford, because they want to make the downtown more attractive.
The youth group, which was started after brothers Derek and Gage Greene where shot to death on South Street in Biddeford last summer, have worked with the DDC on a number of efforts to beautify or benefit downtown Biddeford.
Last year, the young people helped out with the annual vintage car show held on Main Street. They have also carried out several graffiti removal projects.
“It’s great to see young people involved in the community,” said Keely. “Hopefully it builds up a lifetime of volunteerism.”
The flowers for the planters were purchased from Curro’s Greenhouse & Garden Center on Pool Street, in Biddeford.
“We try to deal locally as opposed to going to big box stores or out of Biddeford,” said Keely.
In addition to planting the flowers, the DDC has also placed benches and banners along Main Street, said Suzanne Sexton, who is a member of the group.
The purpose of the projects is “to give people a sense of pride in their hometown,” she said.
The commission’s next project is to install boxes to hold bus schedules at the bus stops. She said the group hopes to have the boxes made by students taking woodworking classes at Biddeford High School.
The commission’s projects are funded by money allocated through the city budget.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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