Beautification Commission
WELCOME TO THE ELK RAPIDS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
The Elk Rapids Beautification Commission recommends a budget and policies to the Village Council for the funding and operation of the beautification program throughout the Village. The Commission promotes activities that will benefit and promote this program by encouraging participation by clubs, societies and other community groups.
The Beautification Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 am in the Government Center (315 Bridge St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629).
OUR GARDENS
-
Location is US 31 at Elk Rapids, both sides of highway
Help planting in early June and weekly fertilizing of baskets
ADOPTED BY SUSAN HARVEY
FOR THE 2026 SEASON. -
On Elk River across from floating docks.
Indigo plants, Geraniums, Blue Fescue, and annuals.
Weeding near plants and along pathway.
Plant annuals in the spring, pull out in the fall.
ADOPTED BY KATHY STEHL, KATHY HORSLEY AND KIM DAVIS FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
River Street next to the Library Bridge.
Tree, black-eyed susans, butterfly weed.
Weeding, deadheading, and trim down in fall.
ADOPTED BY ELK RAPIDS P.E.O. KATHY POLANSKI FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
End of boardwalk on Harbor Drive.
Hostas and spirea.
Weeding and trimming.
ADOPTED BY ROBERT & LAURA STALEY FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
Potted plants adorning the Butterfly Mural at Memorial Park
ADOPTED BY SHARON LANIER FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
River Street across from Hertha Town Hall.
Sedum, Liatris, Butterfly Weed, Lavender, Crabapple tree, Burning Bush, and Evergreens
Weeding, Preen and trimming.
ADOPTED BY CHRIS AND DEB GORHAM FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
Beginning of the boardwalk on Harbor Drive.
Hostas and spirea.
Weeding and trimming.
ADOPTED BY BETSY MORATH, JEANINE RUBERT, JACQUES BICKEL AND JANE BAUER FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
Harbor Drive and Cedar, two matching garden areas.
Butterfly bushes.
Weeding.
ADOPTED BY ROBERT & LAURA STALEY FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
Location is River Street entrance to downtown
Summer weeding
ADOPTED BY KATE MANTHEY, LINDA WOODWARD, CINDY ZAROW, GRETCHEN LOSS, DEB BRODERICK, MARILYN JASONOWICZ, BETH HEUERMAN, KELLY CLAYTON, AND SHARLA DEFRAIN FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
By the river path by the Library Bridge.
Marigolds.
Weed, Preen and deadhead as needed.
Help plant in the spring and pull-0ut in the fall.
ADOPTED BY GAYE WOODWARD,
WENDY WARNER & CINDY BLOCK
FOR THE 2026 SEASON. -
Memorial Park Tennis Courts along fence line.
Marigolds.
Weed, Preen and deadhead as needed.
Help plant in the Spring and pull-out in the fall.
ADOPTED BY GAYE WOODWARD, WENDY WARNER & CINDY BLOCK FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
Terrace Garden
Under renovation
ADOPTED BY KATHY WITTBRODT OF WATERSIDE PROPERTIES FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
Parking area directly behind the theater.
Daisies, grasses, boxwood, and shrubs.
Clean out, weed, and trim down in fall.
ADOPTED BY THE PAUL HRESKO FAMILY FOR THE FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
-
Directly behind walk thru to parking area.
Little lime hydrangeas.
Weeding and plant annuals.
ADOPTED BY PAUL SCHMEICHEL FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
Interested in the opportunity to give back to the Village by helping us keep our gardens beautiful?
Please connect with a Beautification Commission member below to learn more and get started!
You will have the full support of experienced Beautification Commission members who will advise as needed.
Beautification Commission
-
Laura Shumate
CHAIR │ TERM ENDING 2029
-
Robyn Shank
VICE CHAIR | TERM ENDING 2029
-
Linda Woodward
SECRETARY | TERM ENDING 2028
-
Sonja Perry
TERM ENDING 2027
-
Susan Harvey
TERM ENDING 2027
-
Paula Jorge
TERM ENDING 2027
-
Ellen Vasquez
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
-
Open Seat
TERM ENDING