Beach Haven Future hosts first flower market, beautification contest

Beautification is a top priority for members of Beach Haven Future, a local organization comprised of business owners and residents dedicated to revitalizing Long Beach Island’s Queen City for future generations. To help spruce up the center of town, the group will host its first-ever flower market at Veteran’s Bicentennial Park Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A variety of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, hanging baskets and small shrubs provided by Reynolds Landscaping will be available for purchase.

All proceeds from the flower market will go toward promoting tourism, planning events for the summer and fall seasons and creating a “charming downtown district” between 12th and Pearl streets.

Photo via BHF
Beach Haven Future aims to
adorn the town with flowers.

“We figured we would make it easy for homeowners to buy their flowers without leaving the Island and raise money for a great cause,” said Barbara Cona, executive director of Beach Haven Future. “This is not an organization where you will donate your money and wonder where it went. You will see it on the street this year.”

BHF was created in spring 2012 to identify and address the different issues that were holding back economic growth and diminishing the quality of life in Beach Haven, Cona explained. Parking, marketing, communications and streetscape were being studied when Superstorm Sandy arrived, and the focus turned to helping small businesses get back on their feet again.

The organization held a number of fundraisers to help support the town after the storm. With the help and generosity of residents, visitors and friends, the group raised $60,000 and awarded grants to several first responders and 24 businesses, including Surflight Theatre, which was already struggling to survive the financial damage caused by an Easter fire in 2012.

Since the storm, the focus has returned to ways BHF can improve the quality of life for borough residents and also create a better environment for a more sustainable business climate.

“There are so many fantastic ideas that have been presented by people who care about the future of Beach Haven,” said Cona. “It’s our goal to create a streetscape which will be a win-win for everyone — the town, property owners, business owners and visitors. The borough of Beach Haven is strapped financially, so we’re trying to help out in any way possible. Imagine the center of town with flowers, flowers and more flowers, decorative street lighting, trees and charming facades on the storefronts.”

BHF is also encouraging local residents and business owners to get out their gardening tools and join the organization’s first annual Beautification Competition.

“It’s a friendly little competition to drive everyone to improve their property,” said Cona. “We’re trying to create an environment in Beach Haven where every business and homeowner puts their best foot forward.”

Winners will be chosen for best business curb appeal, best homeowner landscaping and best condominium landscaping.

The contest opens Memorial Day weekend. Anyone interested in participating must submit the name and address of their home, business or condominium complex by July 26. Judging will take place the following day, and the winners will be notified by Aug. 1. Winners will receive a prize and a yard sign with their winning title.

For more information, visit beachhavenfuture.com.

–Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.