The city of St. Charles has earned Five Blooms, the highest rating, in the America in Bloom program. St. Charles also was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award for Landscapes over the 39 other entrants across the country.

The results were presented at the Oct. 17 St. Charles City Council meeting and previously announced by the America in Bloom Committee, which judged the city’s floral displays, landscaped areas and environmental project sites during an intense three-day tour from July 10 to July 12. The two ABC judges also reviewed St. Charles’ heritage preservation, urban forestry, community involvement and overall community impression.

St. Charles America in Bloom Committee: Maureen Lewis, Ward 5 Alderman; Diane Cullen, resident; Steve Amatangelo, resident; Steve Martin, First State Bank; Barbara Campbell, resident; John Thornhill, resident; Frank Esposito, resident; Nona Koivula, resident; Holly Cabel, St. Charles Park District; Pam Otto, St. Charles Park District; Chris Adesso, City of St. Charles; Isabel Soderlind, City of St. Charles; Jenna Sawicki, Downtown St. Charles Partnership. (CREDIT: City of St. Charles)

St. Charles was recognized for Best Combination of Plants in Hanging Baskets and Best Use of Local Bloom Committee Logo, which were used in the yard signs that were on display at tour stops.

“We are proud of our performance this year and grateful for the recognition. Thanks go out to all who volunteered their time and talents,” said Ward 5 Alderman and St. Charles America in Bloom Committee member Maureen Lewis. “We have learned so much through this experience over the last two years. And I never get tired of showing off our wonderful community.”

Excerpts From the Judges’ Report

Kudos were presented to the St. Charles in Bloom Committee, the hundreds of community volunteers, the St. Charles Park District, th Pottawatomie Garden Club, Downtown St. Charles Partnership and city staff for their hard work.

“Bravo to St. Charles for your second year of participation in the America in Bloom Awards program and for reaching the highest level of achievement with a FIVE Bloom rating,” the judges’ report said. “The picturesque setting of your city along the Fox River is compelling. At certain points, one feels like they are in Europe. There are many spots to just site, soak it in, and stay awhile. A real strength of St. Charles … is the cooperation and collaboration between many volunteer and civic groups and municipal leaders.”

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About the City of St. Charles

Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 1,800 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the “150 Great Places in Illinois,” by the AIA Illinois; and one of the “Top 10 Towns To Live In” by West Suburban Living magazine. www.stcharlesil.gov