A Beautiful City on the Ohio River

By Ed Rhinehart, AIB volunteer

Over several years, I have had the opportunity to visit many cities as a judge in the America in Bloom program. I often wonder what has happened with this city or that city. Have they ever used any of the suggestions or ideas that the judges gave them? Was the written report useful or even looked at? Last fall when my wife and I were driving from Florida to Ohio, we were able to stop at one of these cities, Gallipolis, Ohio. I was so pleased with what we saw!

Gallipolis is a beautiful small city located along the Ohio River 40 miles up river from Huntington, West Virginia in the southeastern part of Ohio. It is filled with history dating back to the late 1700s. The Gallipolis in Bloom committee was formed in 2006 and new members join every year. The committee, in conjunction with solid support from the city, has made great strides in beautification. The community involvement is visible everywhere.


How exciting it was to walk along the riverfront and see many residents and visitors utilizing the new swings and benches complimented with flowering containers. And, wow, new docks and boating ramps down below. Off to my right were 10 large containers beautifully decorated. Each container has a letter spelling out GALLIPOLIS. This was an art project of the high school students.


Across from the riverfront were the wonderfully landscaped Gallipolis City Park and the newly refurbished band gazebo. Hanging on the light posts were gorgeous hanging baskets with the color scheme of the summer. Many light posts had the banners of the winning poster contest. Utility bills sent to the residents in the spring announced the color scheme for the year, and the dates for the America in Bloom judges visit. Throughout the downtown area were residential homes with exquisite gardens. What a difference a few years has made. I am sure many of these homes were weekly “yard of the week” winners. We even found the winning home of the week when we were there. Taking pride in “Gallipolis in Bloom” was evident everywhere.

In talking with Dave Wiseman, owner of Wiseman Realty, he pointed out that the upgraded signage, demolition of vacated properties, floral beautification, and the occupied store fronts has enhanced the appearance of the city itself.

We had such a wonderful time talking and sharing with Karen Smith at the “Purple Turtle,” Lori Kelly with Bob’s Market, Beverly Dunkle, and many other volunteers with Gallipolis in Bloom who are still active and brainstorming new ideas for this coming summer. It takes my breath away!We saw beautiful flowers, hanging baskets and containers, wonderful landscaping, the weekly contest winners, boaters launching their boats for a ride on the Ohio River, shoppers in and out of occupied storefronts, people picnicking in the park, and others sitting on the benches and swings enjoying the view of the Ohio River. Gallipolis has certainly utilized the recommendation of the reports from the judges, and the benefits gained are very viable and visible. Go Gallipolis!
0 Responses