Canadian National Grant Beautifies Joliet Neighborhood
The City of Joliet held a rededication of Joliet’s Gardens and Arbors on 129th Infantry Drive, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Canadian National.
The city applied for the grant and was awarded the funds through Canadian National’s EcoConnexions “From the Ground Up” program, which is being used to plant native flowers and grasses along the pond’s walking path.
Canadian National has an Intermodal Facility in Joliet and provides financial support for projects that improve the quality of life in communities where they operate. Their “From the Ground Up” grants are administered by the non-profit organization America in Bloom (AIB), which serves as a program partner and provides technical assistance.
The CN grant program supports collaborative community greening projects that enhance landscapes, improve quality of life, and promote environmental stewardship in communities neighboring CN rail lines.
“It is only fitting that we are here today to once again enhance the beauty of this park, which is a central part of this area of the city, particularly for residents in the Glenwood Manor, Fountaindale, and Northfield subdivisions,” stated Dist. 2 Councilperson Pat Mudron. “The grant also includes improvements to the Chicago Street medians between McDonough and Washington Street.”
The Garden and Arbors on Infantry Drive was created over 20 years ago. It is the only water feature owned by the city and provides stormwater detention for neighboring homes. The area is an asset for the community, as residents use it for walking, fishing, and taking photos on special occasions such as prom and graduation.
Rita Renwick, Chairperson of the Joliet Tree Advisory Board, said 13 volunteers recently installed and watered 1,200 plants as part of the CN/AIB grant, donating over 100 hours of time at the site. Directed by Arborist Jim Teiber, the group consisted of Joliet residents from Glenwood Manor, Daybreak, and the Tree Advisory Board. Arbor Tek Landscape Services in Joliet donated landscaping assistance.
“This project was inspired by local residents — a grassroots effort arising from homeowner association (HOA) meetings with Arborist Teiber and brought to fruition through the generosity of Canadian National and the guidance of America in Bloom,” explained Renwick.
“The entire project was an uplifting experience.”
Story and photo courtesy of the City of Joliet