St. Charles residents wanted the award, worked hard for the award and now have the top prize in the nation.

The central Kane County city on the Fox River was named the winning community in the 25,000 to 50,000 population category from America in Bloom National Awards program. Judges also gave St. Charles the Outstanding Achievement Award for Overall Impression, among the 40 communities that entered from across the nation. The awards wAmericaere handed out at the organization’s annual symposium Oct. 7.

There will be a special awards presentation at the Oct. 16 St. Charles City Council meeting, 7 p.m., in Council Chambers, 2 E. Main Street.

This is the third year St. Charles has entered the competition. This year’s wins earned St. Charles a spot in the Circle of Champions, which include communities that have earned a combination of any three awards in the population category or for outstanding achievements.

St. Charles scored 904.50 out of a possible 1,000 points, earning the coveted “5 Blooms” rating. St. Charles Landscaped Areas also received a nod from the judges, having scored in the top three for the Outstanding Achievement Award in that category.

“While we are thrilled for the recognition that St. Charles is a wonderful place,” said Ward 5 Alderman Maureen Lewis. “It’s about more than merely winning a competition. Every one of the volunteers involved all year long on the America in Bloom entry works to make St. Charles the best community it can be.”

From July 13-14, two program judges visited St. Charles and toured floral displays, landscaped areas and environmental project sites. The judges also reviewed St. Charles’ heritage preservation and urban forestry efforts, in addition to noting community involvement and overall community impression.

“The judges were extremely impressed with the level of community participation and the collaborative effort of several of our community groups,” said St. Charles in Bloom Committee Member Diane Cullen. “Thank you to all the members of the St. Charles in Bloom Committee, the hundreds of community volunteers and businesses, the St. Charles Park District, Pottawatomie Garden Club, Downtown St. Charles Partnership, School District, and City staff for their hard work.”

An Excerpt from the judges’ report:

“Whether one is a resident, just ‘passing through’ or arriving at their vacation destination, St. Charles exudes a warm and open atmosphere. This warmth embraces everyone and is just one catalyst encouraging community participation.”

Join the Effort

There are many ways to volunteer to be a part of St. Charles in Bloom. You don’t need a green thumb! Contact Diane Cullen at dianelcullen@gmail.com or Maureen Lewis at mlewis@stcharlesil.gov.

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

For more information about America in Bloom, visit www.americainbloom.org.

Read More

• ‘America in Bloom’ Will Judge St. Charles July 13-14
• St. Charles Is Bloomin’ Fantastic! Judges Give City Highest Rating For Landscaping

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