Drive for 500: The Race to Adopt 500 Medians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Linda Broadfoot
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
o: 317.264.7555 x112
c: 317.223.5181

Indianapolis, IN (May 19, 2010) – As Indianapolis residents gear up for the Indy 500, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) wants to draw attention to its Adopt-A-Median Program by challenging Indianapolis businesses and organizations to adopt a median before race day to reach this year’s goal of 500.

Median adoptions are open to neighborhood associations, garden clubs, businesses, churches, organizations or individuals who agree to maintain a specified median in Indianapolis. In recognition of the organization’s work toward beautifying Indianapolis, the adopter’s name will be prominently displayed on the median’s signage.

There are more than 650 medians in Indianapolis. In 2009, 476 of the 650 available medians were adopted. The goal for 2010 is 500! Nearly 450 medians have been adopted so far this year. To adopt a median is a simple process that can be completed online at www.kibi.org/adopt-a-median:

1. Locate a median in your area that has not already been adopted.
2. Contact KIB about joining the adopt-a-median program.
3. Determine your maintenance, mowing and/or landscape plan.
4. Select a name for your sign.
5. Complete and sign an annual agreement to maintain the median.
6. Mail or fax your agreement for the approval process.

Each June, there is an annual competition to determine the most beautiful median. Winners of the competition receive recognition in the KIB newsletter, promotional materials, and additional signage signifying the win located on the adopted median.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful believes that medians are important not only in keeping our streets looking aesthetically pleasing, but also in helping improve the air and water quality of the local environment. Increasing the amount of trees, shrubs, and green space in our city helps absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air, provides shade, reduces heat and glare from the concrete, helps reduce erosion and storm water runoff and provides economic value to neighborhoods. Visitors and residents alike will appreciate your efforts.

“Participating in the Adopt-A-Median program is a great way to become involved with your community and beautify the neighborhood in which you work and live,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “I encourage everyone to take pride in their neighborhoods by picking up litter and trash, and adopting a median as part of this program is a strong showing of support to contribute to a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable city.”

“We are so close to our goal of having 500 medians adopted for this year. There is a sense of pride that comes with adopting a median,” says David Forsell, KIB President. “We need the community’s help to ensure that our city is vibrant and healthy for residents and visitors alike, and this is a great way to help with that effort.”

The Adopt-A-Median program is made possible through a partnership with the City of Indianapolis and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. To learn more about the Adopt-A-Median program, visit www.kibi.org/adopt-a-median.

About Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.:
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit engaging neighborhoods in environmental and community improvement projects throughout the city. Last year, KIB engaged over 40,000 volunteers on projects around the city. The mission of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. is to unite people to build community and transform public spaces through aesthetic and environmental improvement. To learn more, visit www.kibi.org.

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