City Offers Community Water Credits for Neighborhood Groups

Helping to green up City parks will become a lot easier for local neighborhood associations beginning July 1, thanks to a new program offered by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. The Community Beautification Water Program will give qualified neighborhood associations the opportunity to apply for $1,000 in annual water credits to be used for watering planting beds and newly-planted trees in neighborhood parks or medians.

The program was approved by the Oklahoma City Council as part of the City’s 2012-13 budget. Qualified groups may begin applying for the water credits on July 1. The 2012 application deadline is September 1.

The purpose of the program is to improve the quality of planting beds and new trees in City parks and street medians by assisting neighborhood associations who want to care for these landscaped areas in their neighborhoods.

“We’ve had a lot of demand for this kind of program from the community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Wendel Whisenhunt. “We value the work of our partner neighborhood groups who help us keep our parks and medians looking nice, and are happy to be able to assist in that effort. It’s a positive step for them, and for us.”

Who can apply:
The Community Beautification Water Program is open only to qualified, incorporated neighborhood associations that are located within the corporate boundaries of Oklahoma City and are listed with Oklahoma City’s Neighborhood Alliance. Homeowners Associations, where homeowners are mandated by deed to maintain common areas, are not eligible.

How the program works:
Qualified associations may apply for the program beginning July 1, 2012. If accepted, the City will provide a $1,000 credit on that association’s water utility account. The credits pay only for water, and not any infrastructure or installation costs associated with the watering project. As funds permit, a second round of applications may be considered. Associations will need to re-apply each year in order to continue receiving the credit.

A limited amount of funds is available for the installation of water meters, backflow preventers and hydrants. Street rights-of-way and private property are not eligible under the program.

Application forms, along with a program FAQ, are available online at www.okc.gov/parks/adopt, or by contacting the Parks and Recreation Department at 297-3882.


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