Discussion: Beautification project providing flowers and planters in certain Downtown and Southside commercial and community areas.

Much as Holiday lights mark the season and draw the community and members to Flagstaff, flowers provide beautification to important community and commercial places in our city. Beautification, Arts and Sciences staff is bringing a flower pilot project to Downtown and the Southside.

Pilot project locations include: South San Francisco between Cottage and Phoenix, Aspen Avenue between Leroux and San Francisco, Heritage Square, and a few planters at the Murdoch Center.
Key aspects of the project include:

• A pollinator-focused garden in Heritage Square;
• Hanging baskets on the ornamental lampposts on Aspen Avenue and in Heritage Square;
• Hanging baskets along South San Francisco on the city lamp posts; and
• Potted plants at a key locations on Aspen Avenue and South San Francisco and a few at the Murdoch Center.

Community groups, stakeholder divisions and relevant Commissions were informed or consulted about this project including, but not limited to: the Downtown Business Alliance, the Beautification and Public Arts Commission, the Southside Community Association, the Historic Preservation Commission, Sirius Structures (to assess capacity of the ornamental lampposts), and City of Flagstaff divisions including Public Works and Community Development.

In future years the scope and locations can increase or change based on what we learn from the pilot project.

In the coming summer staff intends to provide a pilot project using flowers and pollinator gardens to continue enhancing the Downtown and Southside areas. The pilot will place flowers in identified locations that have been vetted to ensure they will not impact traffic site lines, accessible use of sidewalks and other important factors. The intention is to procure a professional firm who is qualified to identify and install the proper flowers for the disparate micro-climates in the Downtown and the Southside to maintain the flowers for the season. It is intended the pots and other infrastructure will be removed for the winter and placed in the sites again in future years with possible programmatic expansion. The Downtown Business Alliance is supportive of the endeavor.

City Council and Regional Plan Goals:

Goal CC.5: Support and promote art, science, and education resources for all to experience.

Goal LU.11: Prioritize the continual reinvigoration of downtown Flagstaff, whose strategic location, walkable blocks, and historic buildings will continue to be a vibrant destination for all.

Policy NH.2: Look to downtown Flagstaff as the primary focal point of the community character.

Council Goal: Economic Development: Grow and strengthen a more equitable and resilient economy.

Pollinator Planter: Council Goal: Environmental & Natural Resources: Actively manage and protect all environmental and natural resources.