In an effort to both educate and reward our citizens on issues of sustainability and beautification, the Richland County Appearance Commission will be giving appearance awards to recognize the beautification, sustainability and revitalization efforts of Richland County citizens, civic, and community-based organizations. This program emphasizes the importance of beautification and sustainability through non- profit and citizens investment.

There will be the following categories:

1. Front Yard Beautification
2. Sustainability
1. Community Garden
2. Creative Composting
3. Edible Front Yard Garden
4. School/Children’s Garden
5. Water Wise/Rain Garden

All applicants must complete and submit an application to qualify for the Richland County Appearance Counts Contest. All applications must be accompanied by at least one “after” picture of the project, a before picture is desirable, but not required

All applications will be reviewed and scored based on the following criteria

1. Impact – the number of passersby who see the project location on a daily basis (25 points)
2. Community investment – the level of capital investment into a public or community-based project (20 points)
3. Revitalization of a neighborhood or public focal point – the enhancement of a “public” location for the aesthetic upgrade of the community (20 points)
4. Maintenance component – a specific maintenance plan to sustain the viability of the project (15 points)
5. Community participation – the number of citizens, businesses, and community-based organizations that participated in the project (15 points)

2011 Appearance Counts Contest Information and Application