Week after week, we tell you what’s happening in Concord.
From music to theater, large events to small, there’s always something going on.
But from time to time, we put out a call for all of you to lend a helping hand. And this summer, Wayne Wilson was listening.
If you don’t remember, in July, we told you how the city had about 25 public areas available for its adopt-a-spot program. There were some more noticeable spots like the islands at the Loudon Road/Hazen Drive intersection, the sitting area next to the Storrs Street parking garage and on Broadway near Ballards. As well as plenty of out of the spotlight, but just as important locations.
So after reading our story (thanks for reading Wayne), Wilson called Concord Parks and Rec to sign up.
Those who take over a spot must fill out a few forms and sign a two-year agreement. Then it’s up to that individual or organization to maintain it. You even get a sign put up with your name on it after a few weeks.
While Wilson, who owns his own yard care business in Loudon where he’s lived for the last 25 years, wanted a big spot to maintain, the city urged for a smaller spot to start. So Wilson took a few of them.
“I told them I think I can handle three,” Wilson said.
Wilson had heard of the program in other cities, and after learning that Loudon does not have one and since he comes to Concord quite often for work, he decided to help out his neighbor.
Wilson’s first choice was Terrill Park, but instead he is responsible for the two islands on North Main Street (infront of Kimball-Jenkins Estate and the Pierce Manse) as well as the Ward House.
“It didn’t really matter to me,” Wilson said. “Plus they told me where they were prior to signing so I could take a look at them.”
It took about two weeks after first contacting parks and rec before he got the green light to start working, and then another two weeks to get all three spots back to looking like someone is taking really good care of them.
“It was a challenge, but it looks nice now,” Wilson said.
He took four bags of weeds from the island in front of Kimball-Jenkins, which uncovered some plants already there. He used 30 bags of black mulch and planted three red rose bushes and some other flowers.
“I looked at it and black would really stand out with all the red,” he said of the mulch color choice.
Just down the street, he mulched, planted a rose bush and some mums and added an LED butterfly light.
“I bought quite a bit of stuff,” Wilson said.
And at the Ward House, he cleaned up all the weeds on the side of the building, weed whacked and fixed the flower beds.
Once everything was set up, Wilson said he checks the area regularly. And since he has a 30-gallon water barrrel in the back of his truck and all the tools with him because of his business, he’s ready for anything that may arise.
“As long as you keep on top of it, it will take care of itself,” Wilson said.
He even got one of those nifty adopt-a-spot signs with his name in it.
If you want to take part in the adopt-a-spot program, call Concord Parks and Recreation at 225-8690.
