Keep Ridgeland Beautiful (KRB), located in Mississippi, developed an innovative, affordable method to transform bland city gateways and parks into joyful destinations. In 2020, KRB created the Ridgeland Wildflower art park. The project was inspired by the Keep Mississippi Beautiful Wildflower Trails of Mississippi program.

The park features three aces of native flowers, trees, bushes, and more that support pollinators and bird habits and is a place where people of all ages can gather and enjoy nature. The garden is joined by 13 upcycled metal sculptures that represent activities one can participate in in the city, such as soccer, biking, and fishing.

“[The park] is truly like a secret garden open for all to discover; to be still and hear insects buzzing; to watch butterflies dancing over the top of six-foot-high cosmos wildflowers; and maybe to be inspired to plant some flowers at home or to find the disc golf course in town, portrayed by one of the sculptures,” writes Keep Ridgeland Beautiful.

Partnerships with local government, artists, and volunteers were key to the project’s success.

Keep Ridgeland Beautiful is a 2020 Keep America Beautiful National Award winner in the Innovation Category.