Communities looking to take back their streets can literally do so by signing up for Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s Adopt-A-Block program. Since 2002 neighbors have been participating in this program, which has grown into more than picking up garbage and planting trees.
“The goal is to pick up litter, but we want to build communities,” said Joseph Jarzen, community engagement coordinator at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Here’s how it works. Interested parties should select a block coordinator whose role is to bring neighbors or organization members together; gain the cooperation of participants to keep the block clean; let participants know about available resources and work to expand the network of workers.
Coordinators can then visit Kibi.org and sign up for the Adopt-A-Block Program. Teams will receive tools, trees and flowers to help beautify their adopted block.
Most groups simply pick up trash, but oftentimes they will come across issues such as illegal dumping and should work with the City of Indianapolis’ Department of Code Enforcement to get the issue resolved. Another issue is high grass and weeds.
Those interested should note that some blocks may not be available and should check Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s website for available blocks. Any street in Marion County is eligible for adoption.
Veteran Adopt-A-Blockers are even adopting more than one block. The Sargent Road Association has adopted almost four miles between Fall Creek Parkway and 96th Street.
“We’ve been picking up trash over here for years so when we applied, we wanted our whole area to be a part of the program,” said John Lindstaedt, president of the Sargent Road Association. “We’ve got several captains responsible for certain zones and then we have an annual cleanup day where everyone gets together to clean.”
Businesses can participate in the program as well.
Although the goal is to empower neighbors to bring beautification and neighborhood revitalization to their area, groups are held accountable for their designated block. Two times per year in May and October, each block is rated. A score of “1” indicates no litter, “4” indicates heavily littered. Flowers are awarded each spring to blocks with an average score of “2” or better for the previous year.
Throughout the year, participants are notified of upcoming events and resources available through Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Being in the Adopt-A-Block is free and is a one-year commitment.
“The city is charged with certain things like abandoned buildings and vacant lots, but we all can do our part. This is the first step in making sure our city is aesthetically pleasing,” said Jarzen.
Continued success of the Adopt-A-Block Program depends on sponsors. Jarzen said each groups costs Keep Indianapolis Beautiful about $244, therefore, those who are unable to start or be on a team can always donate financial resources to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful for the program.
For more information, call (317) 264-7555 or visit Kibi.org/adopt-a-block.
