'Adopt-An-Island' promotes literally a greener city

Date: 5/16/2012

May 16, 2012

By Matt Murphy

mmurphy@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — A "greener" city is better for everyone, and Holyoke is taking steps now and in the future to enhance the environmental appeal of the city.

Adopt-An-Island is a program in which city residents can adopt a city island for free, and maintain it throughout the spring and summer months. All funding except for flowers and upkeep, are provided to the participant by the city.

"Starting in 2001 with just a few budding traffic islands around the city, the Adopt-an-Island program has added a colorful touch to the natural resources and varied geology that greets both the visitor and local resident of Holyoke," according to the program's website.

Those few budding traffic islands have blossomed into more than 100 citizens taking part throughout of the city.

Mayor Alex Morse said, "The Adopt-An-Island program is very important to the aesthetic aspect of the city. It's completely free for those who participate, the city supplies mulching, a sign, and regular water. It's a great way to make the city more attractive for those who live here and for those who visit."

Projects like this have enabled the city of Holyoke to receive a "green" signature from the state, which allows Holyoke to pursue more eco-friendly project grants.

"Right now we are working on improving much of the city's parks. We received a $3.2 million grant for a dog park and ice-skating rink, and a $1.4 million grant from the Gateway City Parks Program for the renovation of Veteran's Park," Morse said.

The latter includes the addition of handicap accessible ramps, new pavement, tree removal and pruning, tree planting, new lighting, fencing, trash receptacles and benches. The city will also build a skate park.

Morse explained, "A lot of areas of the city are lacking public waste receptacles, so we have installed many receptacles throughout the lower income areas.

"Another grant the city received," he continued, "is going to allow us to put solar compacters throughout the city. What this means is that trash will now be compacted through the power of the sun, meaning they will have to be emptied less often, and making the city more easily cleaned."

Morse said, "I would like to thank all who have participated I the past, and I'd like to encourage new business, organizations, and citizen groups to join the Adopt-An-Island program this year. It's a great public-private partnership opportunity. Anyone wanting to show their love and pride for the city of Holyoke . can partner with the city in this beautification effort."