MANCHESTER —— Overgrown weeds, uncut grass, litter and barren earth may soon be a relic of the past at some public spaces in Manchester, as residents and organizations are being encouraged to adopt and beautify patches of the urban landscape.

The city is looking for individuals, businesses and civic organizations to adopt public spaces and work to improve their eye appeal. The sites include traffic medians and islands as well as park land.

Jessica Chambers of the city Department of Public Works noted that there have been sporadic involvement by organizations and individuals in beautification efforts, but the work needed focus.

“We wanted to develop a city-wide program run by the city that addressed all the areas under one policy,” Chambers said.

The city has identified 40 spots that have been put up for adoption. Some need extensive work or are in locations that could be dangerous for casual gardeners.

“We have given careful consideration to make sure professionals are on sites where they can assume liability, as opposed to a park or trail where pedestrians are considered safe,” Chambers said.

Already a local credit union and a Derry landscaping firm are involved in projects that needed professional expertise to get started.

Southern New Hampshire Landscaping is adopting a long-neglected roadside site near Eddy Road, Dionne Drive and Bremer Street in northwest Manchester.

“I think it's good to put back in the community,” said Frank Parker, owner of the Derry-based firm.

Beautifying spots near roads highways presents challenges to the adoptive parents. There is usually no nearby water supply or irrigation system, the soil has been contaminated with road salt and car effluent and years of inattention has taken a toll.

His first task will be to decide what types of plants have the best chance for survival.

“We're putting together a planting list and thinking something that's arid, something hardy, durable and probably requires little water,” Parker said.

A couple of the sites on the city's list have already been transformed.

School Committee member Kathy Staub has transformed a small park at Bruno Square as a project for a master gardener program at the University of New Hampshire.

Members First Credit Union joined with the owner of a neighboring building to transform a city-owned parcel next to its main office into a small park.

“The thought occurred to us that it would be nice to approach the city and work collaboratively,” said Members First CEO Bernie McLaughlin. “It was independent of any program, but it certainly is one of the things that will show others how it will work.”

The Members First project, dedicated to the institution's founder, John Walsh, included extensive site improvements requiring heavy equipment.

Chambers said businesses and individuals who are interested will be steered toward appropriate projects.

“For each side requiring professional maintenance or capital improvements, only qualified professionals will be working on those sites,” Chambers said. “Non-professional landscapers and individuals will be steered toward parks and trails.”
billsmith@unionleader.com