City receives national recognition for neighborhood programs
Special to the Outlook
Tallahassee is among the top cities in the U.S. to call home, according to recent Southern Living and Business Insider rankings.
Whether you’re retired or just starting out, Tallahassee is chockfull of vibrant neighborhoods, each with their own unique vibe and diverse populations that make up the fabric of our community. As part of the City Commission’s focus on enhancing the quality of life enjoyed by all residents, the City of Tallahassee is committed to enhancing community and neighborhood vitality.
Ongoing quality of life efforts include sustainability initiatives, housing options for every income level, consistent community engagement and healthy neighborhoods.
The City invests resources into every pocket of our community to address challenges – be those issues of connectivity, economics or livability
Recently, the City received national recognition for its efforts from Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) at its 2020 Best Neighborhood Program Awards virtual ceremony.
Photo courtesy City of Tallahassee
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Rx Program was one of two city programs recognized. An extension of the Southside Farmers Market, this initiative provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about healthy eating and cooking. In partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, this program features a series of classes designed to help participants develop the skills and knowledge to improve their eating habits in a cost-efficient manner, coupled with easy access to fresh, healthy foods.
“I found the program to be very beneficial to me and my family,” program graduate Annie Joyce Williams said. “The healthy tips shared during our classes provided me with a new perspective on better, more nutritious eating habits, which has led to a healthier lifestyle for me and my husband.”
NUSA also recognized the Neighborhood Partnership Grant (NPG) program with an award. Through this program, the City supports revitalization efforts within the Greater Frenchtown/Southside Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) District. Area neighborhoods applied for and were awarded grant funds to assist with neighborhood enhancements, such as lighting, community gardens, public art and more.
Photo courtesy City of Tallahassee
Through the program, the Levy Park neighborhood was able to install natural gas lanterns and residents from the Allen Subdivision were able to display commemorative markers to highlight significant places and people that contributed to the neighborhood’s rich culture and history.
“Without a doubt, the Neighborhood Partnership Grant program has enhanced public knowledge of a once bustling African American community and its value in the history of Tallahassee,” said Allen Subdivision resident Deloris M. Harpool.
These are just two of the many award-winning programs offered through the City’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs department. Other programs available to residents include hurricane and disaster preparedness seminars, the annual Neighborhood Leadership Academy and Neighborhood of the Year. For a full list of offerings, visit Talgov.com. There, you will find a variety of ways to engage and support the City’s vision of a creative capital city that supports a strong community with vibrant neighborhoods and diverse, passionate people; that thrives as an innovative economic and educational hub; and that protects our natural resources.
