Nips, Tucks Continue as City Hall Campus Prepares for Facelift

On a dreary and soggy Friday morning, steps were being taken to make Greenfield's City Hall campus vibrant and beautiful.

Division of Public Works employees were busy digging holes for 29 trees and 30 rose bushes to be planted during the city's annual on Saturday.

Meanwhile, employees of Terra-Firma Landscaping Inc. worked earnestly on the area south of the , where a new terrace is being built thanks to a generous donation by longtime Greenfield resident Bill Radler.

"When you mix a substantial gift, a tremendous effort from staff and volunteers, and a real desire to make something special, you get a result that the entire city can be proud of," Mayor Michael Neitzke said.

Radler, the former director at Boerner Botanical Gardens with a price tag of more than $100,000.

The Arbor Day Celebration, , begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Volunteers are welcomed to help plant the trees and rose bushes and the committee has been accepting donations to help pay for the cost of the trees.

"Arbor Day has been really a key to beautifying the City," Neitzke said. "I think what makes it special is that it doesn’t come from some nondescript line in a budget somewhere, but rather from all of those who donate and volunteer their time, money, enthusiasm, and energy to make Greenfield a better place.

"These are the kind of efforts that have a lasting imprint on the community because they come from the hearts and souls of everyone that participates. While the weather hasn’t been great the last couple of years, I really hope there is a great turnout."