Greendale's Schnebelt Park CityofGreendale.net

(Greendale, Ind.) - A couple local communities brought home some awards recognizing their beautification efforts this past weekend.

National non-profit organization American In Bloom promotes city and town beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. AIB held its annual symposium and awards program held September 20-22 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

At the progrm, the City of Greendale received a coveted “Four Bloom Rating” in its population category of 4,501-8,000. The city also earned special recognition for its efforts in the area of urban forestry. Greendale was also one of just nine municipalities named to AIB’s “Circle of Champions.”

The City of Rising Sun was given a special AIB award for “Best Program for Young People.”

Specially trained AIB judges visited towns of similar populations and spent two days touring the town, meeting municipal officials, residents, and volunteers. Each city was judged on several criteria including floral displays, landscaped areas, urban forestry, community involvement, environmental efforts. heritage preservation, and overall impression.

Rising Sun and Greendale also won awards at the 2011 AIB awards program.