Kelly Products, a leading provider of essential information and automation solutions to the agribusiness industry, today announced that Great Estates, its landscaping division is providing landscape labor and plants at no cost to the city for the an area in need of renovation in downtown Monroe. The plans were approved by the Downtown Development Authority in 2015, and the company will begin installation next week. Great Estates will also provide ongoing maintenance of the space at no charge to the city.
The decision to sponsor the beautification project is the result of success with a similar project in Covington. Last year Great Estates Landscaping designed and installed landscaping for a city roundabout in a high traffic area.
“Well maintained and attractive landscaping not only increases property values, it conveys a pride of place that promotes development, as well as a positive perception among both residents and visitors,” said Keith Kelly, president, Great Estates Landscaping.
The pocket park is the reinvention of an abandoned parcel between two buildings in Monroe Downtown. The space used to be the home of a bank which later became a jewelry store. After a severe storm in the mid-1990s, the historic building was destroyed leaving only the original safe intact. The remains of the building were shielded from public view by plywood and lattice work for many years. In 2014, community volunteers joined together to recreate the space into a small park where visitors could sit together and enjoy the downtown atmosphere. Since its creation, the park has been used extensively during downtown events such as visits with Santa, live music, photo sessions, and hosting public art through the Sculpt Monroe project. The park won an award for Excellence in Design from the Georgia Downtown Association in 2014.
Sadie Krawczyk, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Monroe, said “We love our little pocket park, and a revamping of the landscape elements is the next piece to make the park even more enjoyable for those who enjoy it!” To find out more about the future development plans for downtown, visit www.monroedowntown.com.
“As long-term residents of the region, and a member of the business community, Great Estates Landscaping is pleased to be a part of this project that will reflect the pride our businesses have for this community,” said Kelly. “We felt we could use the resources at our disposal to make a positive impact on a space used by residents on an ongoing basis.”
Since 2005, Great Estates Landscaping has provided commercial landscaping services, including new installations and recurring maintenance, for retailers, schools, local government and property managers who want to make a great first impression on their visitors by enhancing the natural beauty that surrounds them. For more information, visit greatestateslandscaping.com.