The Chatsworth Neigh-borhood Council (CNC) received a request from Councilman John Lee’s office to assume the maintenance of the Devonshire BID planters in Chatsworth. Not only did they accept that task, but added the Brown’s Creek Bike trail planters at the intersection of Devonshire Street and Canoga Avenue in Chatsworth, CA, while spending less than $50 on the entire project!
The BID concrete planters had not been utilized in years, and some were still being used as a trash receptacle. Most had dirt added in an attempt to make them into planters. The CNC Beautification committee started by removing the trash from the individual planters, then the dead plants and weeds from the Brown’s Creek Bike Path planters.
Members filled 25 trash bags full of free amended soil and mulch from the Lopez Canyon Landfill in Sylmar and brought them back to each planter location. One group worked on the two large Brown’s Creek planters while another group worked on the 22 individual planters along Devonshire Street
When the planters were prepped, native plants donated by Ann Vincent of the Chatsworth Historical Society were added, along with donated succulents from Georgia Altmayer. The plants were watered with 40 gallons of water brought from the CNC member’s homes. A layer of mulch was added, and then the planters themselves were tackled.
Many of the planters needed cleaning and graffiti removal. Using supplies from the Board of Public Works, Office of Community Beautification, volunteers were able to remove or paint over graffiti on the planters and matching benches. They also supplied rakes, shovels, trash bags, gloves, paint, and trash pickers to assist the project on several weekends. Beautification Committee Chairman, Kamesh Aysola said, “We have a plan where CNC members and public volunteers adopt a planter and help us maintain them.”
The Chatsworth Neigh-borhood Council continues to maintain the 22 individual planters along Devonshire Street, as well as the two large Brown’s Creek planters. Last weekend, more soil and mulch were added. Ironically, the Councilman’s office can find no way to provide water to the Council for the plants. There is an existing sprinkler system for both corner planters, but the councilman’s office cannot determine who the system belongs to within the city infrastructure.
The CNC has submitted several requests for assistance with water; the members are currently using approximately 90 gallons of water taken from their homes to water these plants weekly. Council President, Kristen Shubert said, “It is disappointing that we were tasked with this project, then receive no support. We have made so much progress without spending any public funds; we sourced everything else needed. I am proud of what we have accomplished.”
The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is comprised of 21 volunteers who are interested in improving Chatsworth.To join them visit ChatsworthCouncil.org.
