In March of 2010, a comprehensive 20/20 plan for Polk County was adopted by the board of commissioners. Listed below are the goals set forth for the Appearance Commission. Please take a moment to look over those plans and objectives and give your opinions on our progress and any suggestions for improvements.

Our vision is for our Foothills to be clean, beautiful and inviting with many public expressions of our creativity and partnership with nature. Throughout the county, there are beautifully planted areas on the roadsides and artful signs welcoming visitors and informing them of the many interesting features in this rural yet culturally rich area. Buildings are appropriately designed and sized with night lighting that is safe and efficient but not obtrusive to others. Public areas are free of litter and clutter and often showcase our local artists.

The 20/20 Comprehensive Plan for Polk County states that the Appearance Commission should: Establish working relationships between the towns, townships and the county for beautification. Set forth desirable standards and goals for aesthetic enhancement in public areas and open spaces in municipalities and county. Review plans and make suggestions for all public buildings, facilities and projects located in the county including towns. Formulate and recommend ordinances for towns and county that will enhance appearance.

Specific goals should include:

• Landscaping and attractive signs for entries into Polk County with highest priority the traffic circles, Hwy. 176 into Polk County from Landrum, and I-26 exit into Saluda.

• Landscaping, gardens and outdoor sculpture and art around the courthouse and Womack Bldg.

• Establish a county “Points of Pride” program to promote beautification along public roads.

• Educational and community support of litter cleanup and prevention.

• Signs on the roadside that are attractive about interesting locations and features in Polk County.

• Polk County in national community beautification programs like America in Bloom or Keep America Beautiful.

• Promote ordinances that will: ​​Protect against night lighting that is obtrusive and glaring to neighbors; Protect slopes and ridges against clear cuts that are unattractive or cause erosion; Protect against buildings that are too large and threaten the rural character of Polk County and the viability of local small businesses.

• Establish a 501(c)3 organization to fund and maintain public landscaping, public art, etc.

​​For more information, contact the Polk County Appearance Commission at P.O. Box 308, Columbus, NC 28722, call 828-894-2324, visit beautifulfoothills.org, or email me at davidfriday@msn.com.

~ Written by David Friday