Signs of Spring: Volunteers Bring Beauty to Maple Grove Roadways

There’s nothing like a relaxing day in the garden, even if that garden is in the middle of the parkway.

Volunteers sought solace in the soil in Maple Grove this week. They were planting flower beds on the medians of Weaver Lake Drive and Elm Creek Boulevard for the city’s annual boulevard planting event. And don’t worry, it’s legal, with all materials provided by the city.

The flowers come from Lynde Greenhouse and Nursery.

“We seek volunteers in the community to come out and plant our flower beds along the boulevard to help beautify the city,” said Holly Steffenhagen, recreation supervisor for special events in Maple Grove.

It’s an over 25-year tradition, with about 150 volunteers set to lend a helping hand. Steffenhagen thinks the community enjoys seeing their hard work bloom throughout the year.

A group of volunteers work on a flowerbed on Weaver Lake Road. The city provides the plants, and a map of how to plant them.

“I think people like being able to physically help beautify the city, to get their hands dirty, and to do something they like to do,” Steffenhagen said.

The volunteers agree.

Take Bryan Patrick as an example; his company, Midwest Interventional Systems, is just down the road from where his team was planting.

“You get to see the work when you’re done with it,” he said. We don’t always get to see that in the office everyday. People really like doing it. It’s nice to get outside. It’s cool to see the fruits of your labor.”

It’s a simple project with a beautiful payoff. 

“You plant it, and then you get to see it grow as you drive by it all year long,” Steffenhagen said.

While planting is full for this event, Steffenhagen said the parks department has plenty of opportunities for volunteers throughout the year.

Volunteer interest forms are availbale on the parks and recreation page.

Maple Grove