Humboldt has received four blooms in the provincial Communities in Bloom competition, earning 744 out of a maximum 1,000 points.
Judges came to Humboldt during the summer to gather information for the civic beautification contest. Michael Ulriksen, the city’s parks and recreation director, said Humboldt has competed in the contest for many years.
“I’m a lot less worried about the blooms and the score itself and more in the suggestions and some of the comments they did make on our community,” he said.
The city received its highest marks when it came to tidiness, earning 81 per cent of the possible points. The judges recommended the city focus in encouraging industrial property owners to keep their lands tidy, examine replacing some of the older planters, and repaint some of the fire hydrants.
“I think our community’s made great strides over the last several years working with the different organizations in those areas,” Ulriksen said, adding the judges noted there was progress.
High marks were earned in the area of heritage conservation, with the city earning 80 per cent of the possible points.
Jennifer Fitzpatrick, the cultural services director, was pleased with the judges’ recognition of Original Humboldt.
“I think we always appreciate when people from Communities in Bloom and the judges come and they really recognize and appreciate the work that so many of the volunteers do in the community.”
The city received 73 per cent in landscaping.
“They did note we have a lot of natural parks that are just waiting to be exposed to be community with a little bit of work and make those great places for the community to go,” Ulriksen said.
Environmental action received 71 per cent. The judges were impressed with the irrigation system for the new green space at Centennial Park that uses greywater – water that’s not potable, yet not sewage – from the Uniplex, but they wanted to see improvements in compost and recycling.
“That was definitely one area that we were excited to see some of the thoughts that we had as far as the vision moving forward matched what the judges had thought as well,” Ulriksen said.
The city received 72 per cent in floral displays and 71 per cent in urban forestry.
Ulriksen said having the outsiders’ perspective is useful for the city.
“They can come in with a fresh perspective and remind you of the things you already knew and put them back on the top of your list.”
The local Communities in Bloom committee runs on local support, but in recent years many of what were the core members have stepped back. It’s at the point were the committee will need some new members or the city will have to decide what to do over the long term.
Those interested can talk to the parks department, located at the Uniplex.
