HUNTSVILLE – As beauty brings joy, Mayor Tommy Battle proclaimed Huntsville a beautiful and joyful place this month.

The occasion came when he, City Council President John Meredith, and the Huntsville Beautification Board recognized businesses and landscapers. The Beautification Awards honor the hard work that helps keep Huntsville beautiful.

The board honored 386 Huntsville properties at its first live ceremony since August 2019. More than 500 entries were judged. The ceremony was held at Oakwood University’s Community Health Action Center in honor of the university winning the “Mayor’s Award” with a perfect score from three judges.

“The beautification program elevates pride of place in our community,” Battle said. “When I see the list of award winners, I know each location is carefully attended to by people who believe in bringing joy to others.

“I am grateful to the Beautification Board for recognizing these ongoing efforts to make Huntsville a very special place.”

District beautification awards were presented to Blue Spring Church of Christ in District 1; Walton’s Mountain in District 2; Office Park South in District 3; Dr. John Barnes for District 4 and Villas at Research Park in District 5.

Dick Christiansen with First Christian Church was given a Beautification Board special recognition and Erick Wade was honored for his work with the Green Team.

The Green Team and the city also recognized Beautification Board President Joy Parker for her leadership.