Commentary | Join Piedmont Beautification Foundation in supporting healthy, sustainable landscaping for pool

Longtime city partner PBF will match $100,000 of funds raised for plantings and green infrastructure.

Earlier this month the Piedmont Beautification Foundation (PBF) launched a matching funds campaign to raise $100,000 in contributions toward landscaping to help make Piedmont’s new community pool a truly beautiful and sustainable space in the City. PBF has offered to match from its own funds all donations up to $100,000 so that $200,000 will be available to assure healthy, environmentally sound landscaping with smart irrigation to assure water conservation.

From the outset of the project to build the new community pool, PBF has been a strong supporter. It endorsed Measure UU, urging voters to take the bold step of authorizing 19 million dollars to fund the building of a state-of-the-art aquatic facility. PBF was one of the first contributors to the PRFO-led effort to cover increased construction costs, pledging $25,000 to help kick-start that campaign.

This new PBF campaign will support installation of native and drought-tolerant planting as well as other green infrastructure, including a solar trellis with photovoltaic cells and a bioswale for storm water retention. 

Descriptive brochures were recently mailed to every home in Piedmont to announce the campaign. Early returns are extremely encouraging as more than $30,000 in contributions have been received during the first few weeks.

PBF President Karen Sullivan urges Piedmonters to support its effort to see that their new pool and community gathering center will be a model of sustainability, incorporating renewable energy technology, water-conserving design, and beautiful native landscaping. She emphasizes that every dollar given will be doubled until together we have reached the combined total of $200,000. Contributions can be mailed to Piedmont Beautification Foundation, Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Ave., Piedmont, CA 94611. Online contributions can be sent to to piedmontbeautification.org.

PBF (a jointly governed organization with Trustees from the City Council and the Piedmont Garden Club, along with 25 community advisors that includes representation from other local garden clubs) has been funding projects to “improve, beautify, and maintain the premises and projects of the City of Piedmont” for almost 60 years. PBF has expanded the scope of its projects to more broadly promote safety and sustainability. A separate endowment was established to help the City pay for the ever-increasing expense of maintaining its many recreational venues. Most recently, an improved entrance to Piedmont Park at the corner of Highland and Guilford will open in time for July 4th festivities.  Improved lighting and handrails will enhance the safety and appeal of this access to the park and Community Hall for residents and special events alike.