City recognizes Beaverdale beautification volunteers

The city of Des Moines recognized two Beaverdale residents for their efforts to keep Beaverdale beautiful.

Toni Hayes and Nancy Dunbar were given the Special Volunteer Award for the work they do planting trees and native plants and keeping the neighborhood beautiful. Both are long-time volunteers with the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association Beautification Committee.

To quote from the city citation: "In Spring of 2020, anticipating increased foot traffic from recent park and woodland improvements, Hayes suggested the city update the Ashby Park floral beds. Dunbar and Hayes’ combined years of experience in the park helped them select plants. Coordinating with staff, the two began bed improvements, with extra donated plants and mulch from their home gardens, and native plants from the City’s Neighborhood Flower Program. They filled holes and weeded weekly. Hayes monitored the plantings supplementing the City’s watering, with jugs of water from her own home. Thanks to their suggestions, right of way plantings, which caught a lot of blowing litter, were removed and new grasses installed improving the streetscape. Dunbar and Hayes have maintained the Ashby Park native flowerbeds for at least eight years and have donated almost 500 hours. We honored Nancy Dunbar and Toni Hayes with a special award for their ongoing dedication to improving and maintaining their neighborhood park."

Congratulations and thanks to Toni, Nancy and all the volunteers who work to keep Beaverdale beautiful!

Read more about the city's Parks and Rec awards here.