Promoting beauty in Polk County, the Beautification Awards are given annually by the Polk County Appearance Commission to recognize projects that include landscaping improvements and/or structural improvements to the street view of properties.

In granting the awards, the criterion is to recognize diversity of locations throughout the geographic area of Polk County. Any project in the county, a town or township can be considered.

Selection criteria include:

• Street appearance
• Tasteful landscaping including but not limited to trees, shrubs and flowers
• Well maintained property
• Effort rather than cost
• Creativity and effort combined
• Structural improvements
• Property in compliance with existing codes, taxes, etc.
• Also includes signage, awnings, planters, fountain features and similar elements

Any property owner or renter of a commercial or residential property located in Polk County can nominate their own property or another property if that property is visible by the general public from public roads or sidewalks.

The appearance commission will award up to six awards this year, of which, a maximum of three will be for publicly owned properties. The deadline for nominations is May 1.

Any nominations submitted after this date will be held for consideration next year.  Awards will be presented in June.  To submit an application, please follow the procedure below.

Download and complete the form on the website (beautifulfoothills.org) Provide pictures of the property, before and after. Mail to the following address by April 29:
Appearance Commission Beautification Awards, Polk County Government, P. O. Box 308, Columbus, N.C. 28782.

For more information, call 828-894-8762.

– article submitted
by Cathy Brettman