[img_assist|nid=455|title=Maureen Lunn|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=109|height=150]When I moved to KC five years ago, settling into a historic home east of Paseo, I quickly learned that people throughout the metro area were afraid to come to my home due to the negative perceptions associated with words like "Paseo," "Prospect," and "Troost." I took this to heart and became determined to prove them wrong--to show through my investment and love for my community that the "east side" is a beautiful and important part of our city that should not be overlooked, nor feared.
Tulips on Troost and Southtown have provided a platform for me to spread this message, on both a personal and professional level. The Tulips on Troost project is formed around the idea that Troost (and surrounding areas) is worth our time, efforts and resources. We hope to inspire and motivate the citizens of KC to recognize the value of neighborhood revitalization and beautification in some of the city's most historic districts. And you know what? Tulips are just on the surface-our deep-rooted goal is to use a beautiful, accessible thing like a tulip to represent positive change on Troost.
Right now, tulips are popping up everywhere! In the fall of 2009 we planted approximately 15,000 tulips (in addition to the quarter million that were planted in previous years) and are already in the planning stages for more planting this autumn. Meanwhile, our Greenhouse Initiative at Center High School is providing meaningful education for Special Ed. students that will result in an array of beautiful, native plants that you'll soon see on Troost Avenue.
As the Tulips on Troost VISTA and Project Manager, I want to invite you to initiate change on Troost Avenue. Taking time to invest and beautify the area will create a chain reaction, and soon we will see residents and business owners from all over the east side"working for change in their community. So this spring, get outside, stop and smell the tulips, and see Troost for what it really is.
Maureen Lunn
Project Manager, Tulips on Troost
Americorps VISTA