Arlington's Parks and Recreation Department has implemented an innovative new concept to enhance the quality of life for all of our residents: the Keep Arlington Beautiful Board (KAB). The purpose of the Keep Arlington Beautiful Board is to enhance beautification, stimulate citizen involvement, and improve environmental quality. It will serve to support the city's initiative to nurture and grow an environmentally friendly and vibrant community that provides our residents with ample opportunities for culture, beauty and play. The mission of Keep Arlington Beautiful is to educate and engage the Arlington community to take responsibility for improving their environment.

KAB aims to be a 501c3 nonprofit service organization structured to accept donations and solicit grants for community advocacy. An affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Arlington Beautiful will work with many organizations with similar charters. Currently, members of the Board are volunteers appointed by the Parks and Recreation Board and represent neighborhood's from each of Arlington's City Council districts. While KAB meets quarterly, sub-committees may meet on a more regular basis depending on upcoming events and board priorities.

Since its initial meeting in April, the Board is hard at work completing required 501c3 paperwork, establishing leadership, creating its own specific charter and vetting potential initiatives.

One of the KAB's first initiatives is already nearing reality. A trailer outfitted with cleanup equipment will soon be available for volunteer organizations to use in beautifying sections of the city.

Keep Arlington Beautiful recently entered a float in Arlington's 4th of July Parade, accepted the 2012 Governor's Community Achievement Award at the annual Keep Texas Beautiful state conference in San Antonio and will be assisting with Ecofest, Trinity Trash Bash and other community engagements.

To find out more about Keep Arlington Beautiful visit them on Facebook, also watch for their new website coming soon at at www.keeparlingtonbeautiful.com. Additional information can be found on the KAB page of the City of Arlington's website.

For more information about this innovative group, contact Jennifer Chadwell at: [email protected] or 817-459-5477.

by John Moore, KAB Volunteer