Piedmont Beautification Foundation president Karen Sullivan passed the gavel to incoming president Patty Dunlap on July 1. Sullivan completed a highly successful two years as president of the organization. Under her leadership the importance of PBF to the city of Piedmont increased significantly. Sullivan pushed the organization to increase its role from the more traditional focus on parks.
Perhaps the most important undertaking was to support the construction of a new swimming pool. PBF was an early donor to the campaign to cover the shortfall in funding for this vital project. PBF followed by making the pool the focus of its efforts for 2022. It undertook a matching fund drive to raise money for the pool’s landscaping and green infrastructure. Ultimately PBF raised almost $250,000 for the pool, making it the second largest donating organization after PRFO.
Other projects completed under Sullivan’s leadership included completion of beautiful new steps at the Highland/Guildford entrance to Piedmont Park; safety bulb out landscaping; installation of water bottle filling stations; the planting of an Island Oak at the Mountain /Bellevue intersection; and the installation of a flagpole to honor the late Justice Carl Anderson.
Several other projects are pending, including support for the soon to come Dearing Family Memorial and a significant upgrade of the Linda Beach Tot Lot.
PBF’s long standing memorial bench and tree programs continued throughout Sullivan’s term in office. The city installed five memorial benches and planted twelve new trees.
PBF’s newest project is among the most exciting in recent years years: the reforestation of Piedmont. Working in conjunction with Nancy Kent, the city’s parks and special projects manager (who oversaw the recently completed inventory of trees throughout the city) and incoming PBF President Patty Dunlap, a campaign to reforest the city’s trees has commenced. The initial focus is on Dracena Park, where a loss of many trees has created a huge need for replanting. The plan permits donors to direct their contributions to their own neighborhoods that need new trees.
PBF involves many organizations and residents of Piedmont, all contributing to the betterment of the city. The Piedmont Garden Club was the founder of PBF and continues to pull the laboring oar. There are eight trustees, including three appointed by the city council (typically two council members and the chair of the park commission). The Piedmont Garden Club provides the other five trustees, who also serve as officers. Other garden clubs represented are East Bay Garden Club, Highlanders Garden Club, and Hoe and Hope.
Patty Dunlap, PBF’s newest president, will oversee the organization and its ambitious new campaign of reforestation. She is a former member of the park commission and served admirably as its chair. PBF is looking forward to having her pick up the torch.
Wow! What a great article! Congrats to Karen for a job well done and so great that Patty is going to carry the torch of PBF for the next 2 years. Thanks Cameron.