BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — The Bowling Green Downtown Revitalization Committee and citizens of Bowling Green collaborated for a downtown beautification project that is now on display just off the square.

After a four year process to acquire the downtown property, big strides have been made to accomplish goals set by the Downtown Revitalization crew. The recently added concrete planters, were a year long process from idea to project execution.

“I hope the citizens of Bowling Green are excited about the changes to our downtown area,” said Chair Person and President of the Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Brookshier.

“After tearing down some beloved old buildings we were all kind of down in the dumps, I am hoping that this is something that people can use and truly appreciate,” she added.

Local businesses, Bleigh Ready Mix, 3B Machine, River City Towing, Perkins Electric, and Ed Kerns constructed the concrete formations, metal posts, and even hauled the new decorative pieces that now call Downtown Bowling Green, home.

Bowling Green Rotary Club members, Frank Berlin, Kevin Brown, Jim Moore, Nellie Wamsley, and Willard Wamsley installed the posts, paving the way for finishing touches to be added by volunteers on April 18.

The concrete formations were filled with rock and dirt by volunteers Christina Orf, Lesli Fox, Ellen Orf, John Elliott, Jessie McMorris, Gregory Knox, and Frank Berlin on Sunday afternoon. Green and white banners that read “Downtown BG,” with project sponsor logos were also installed on April 18.

The Heir Study Club will plant flowers in the concrete planters in the near future to add a pop of color and make the bins stand out. Murals and paintings are expected to be added in coming months as the project continues to progress, local artist Sheri Grote has been tapped for that project.

A break area was put in place in the newly renovated downtown landscape, creating a convenient break or lunch table for those who work on the square.

“This space is meant for events and we hope to get it ready to host more events in the future. We have looked into the installation of a pavilion so people can hold birthday parties, celebrations, eat lunch, or even have a concert,” said Brookshier.

The project was made possible with funding from the Bowling Green Rotary Club and Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. The allocated funds allow five more concrete planter bins and decorative poles to be constructed. As the pieces are put together for the other five decorative bins, a map of their location is being strategically planned.

“We have juggled a couple ideas about where we will place the other five bins. We may put them in front of local businesses, on South Court Street to downtown, and we may put some around the square,” the Chamber of Commerce President added.

Suggestions for downtown projects are always welcome, and volunteer help with the Bowling Green Downtown Revitalization committee is needed. Those interested in volunteering should attend the Bowling Green Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting held on the first Thursday of every month at the Bowling Green Community Center. More information can be found on bgchamber.org under the area information tab, by clicking “Downtown Bowling Green.”