Downtown agency doubles up on the green stuff
Fifth annual Main Street Planting Day includes call for financial sponsors
from the world HQ of MSHP

Twice as many planters means twice as much greenery – but it will require double the work. Volunteer labor is in high demand for Main Street Highland Park’s planting day this year, as the downtown improvement district rolls out fifty-two newly-acquired concrete planters this weekend along Raritan and Woodbridge Avenues.

More than fifty varieties of flowering plants are on order for the annual beautification project, said Graham Copeland, the agency’s executive director.

“This is a fun family event every year,” said John Webster, chairman of Main Street’s design committee, noting volunteers of all ages are welcome to join in Planting Day. No experience is required.

Every volunteer is asked to bring his or her own pair of gloves and a trowel. Little red wagons are optional, according to the downtown agency, but are expected to lend an undeniable insouciance. Main Street Highland Park will provide “soil, plants, beverages, and tons of appreciation,” said Copeland.

“Planting Day has become a fun community-building tradition in Highland Park,” Webster added. “People love to come out and roll up their sleeves.” Webster notes that this year in particular, the planters will also represent an early phase of the borough’s planned Streetscape Improvement Project.

The Streetscape project is a multi-year borough-sponsored design initiative to improve the aesthetics, safety and walkability of the downtown. The new planters and increased greenery are part of a larger plan to improve curb cuts, street furniture, lighting, way-finding signage and traffic signals.

With such lofty aspirations for Planting Day, Main Street is in need of financial contributors to partially offset the costs of dozens of new planters, plant materials and ongoing maintenance. A program is being developed now for recognition of the donors.

“We’re seeking the support of business owners, community members and anyone else who can volunteer their time or help with a financial contribution,” Copeland said.

“This is a highly visible project,” Copeland said. “Contributing financially is a great way to show support for our downtown or to honor a loved one, with a donation made in their name.”

Those with green thumbs should call Main Street Highland Park at 732.828-8444 to register. The planting crews will meet at the MSHP office, 421 Raritan Avenue, between 10 AM and 1 PM on Saturday, May 17 to pick up their flowers and a planting diagram.