We're working vigorously to beautify where we live

April 26, 2009

We're working vigorously to beautify where we live


By ROBERT D. RAY
Former Iowa Governor

All of us tend to form our opinions of people and places based on the first visual image. This need to make a favorable first impression is essential in building local pride and in the encouragement of economic development.

The "good news" is that Iowans are putting forth a renewed effort at improving the image of where they live - and they are doing it with vigor and enthusiasm. The following are a few local examples:
- Neighborhood organizations in Des Moines are invigorated and building a great sense of pride.
- Beautification efforts are along Ingersoll Avenue.
- Landscape planters are throughout the downtown area of Des Moines.
- Beautification efforts along Fleur Drive are significant.
- Cleanup efforts by the downtown partners business area keep the area clean and free of cigarette butts.
- New signage for the city center aids residents and visitors to finding their way around Des Moines and for parking.
- Revitalization efforts are under way in the East Village area.
- Improvements have enhanced the Des Moines River Principal Riverwalk area.
- Changes and improvements to Gray's Lake have been made.
- Attractive landscaping of I-235 and changes in the appearances of bridges and overpasses are being implemented.
- Millions of dollars of improvements to the state Capitol and the landscape around the Capitol are being made.
- Expansion and interconnection of trails with neighborhoods, communities and the countryside is occurring throughout Iowa.
- More residents are participating in spring housecleaning programs by using free disposal days offered by communities.
- Hanging flower baskets and flowering areas are increasing in local communities.

The work of Character Counts! has also spread into hundreds of communities and schools throughout our state, helping Iowans become the best that they can be. This reputation of a quality people is one that Iowa has and will continue to have.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has worked to protect thousands of acres of natural lands and has encouraged recreational trail development.

The newly formed Iowa Parks Foundation is focusing on enhancing and restoring quality to our significant park areas throughout Iowa.

The county conservation boards in this state are little known or recognized, yet they are one of the most significant assets of Iowa - providing dozens of nature centers for Iowans and visitors to enjoy along with hundreds of significant park, recreation, river access sites and wildlife areas. River and community cleanups are improving the appearance of areas across the state.

Keep Iowa Beautiful is helping to encourage and support statewide, regional and community enhancement efforts throughout Iowa. The newly developed 1-888-NOLITTR (665-4887) number allows Iowans to help stop littering by reporting those they see littering from a vehicle.

As all of us improve or enhance the beauty and cleanliness of the areas around us, other things begin to happen.Pride increases in the residents, business owners and visitors. Improvements begin to show up on adjacent private properties and values increase - it becomes contagious.

The "good news" story in Iowa is amazing and it is spreading rapidly - join the effort!

Robert D. Ray was the governor of Iowa from 1969 to 1983.

Copyright ©2009 The Des Moines Register