Help build Washington Ave signature tree guards Sat. June 2

I know mr. whynot_31 mentioned this in the "Washington Ave is dirty" thread a few days ago, but wanted to call this out again in its own thread because I think it's a rare opportunity to have a substantial and lasting impact on the image of and quality of life along the Washington Avenue retail corridor.

Our friends over at WAPHA (Washington Ave - Prospect Heights Association) have undertaken a unique initiative - they've approached Washington Ave merchants who are interested in beautifying their sidewalk area by sponsoring an attractive tree guard - a structure made to protect street trees from damage caused by peeing dogs, bike locks, and general abuse.

The guards come in two flavors: a four-post and chain affair that looks nice and serves it's purpose; and the Cadillac: a more substantial wooden structure that doubles as an inviting bench for residents and passers-by, and encourages neighborly street-culture by giving folks a place to sit and interact along a strip that has no stoops nor other street furniture to allow for conversation and local 'eyes on the street'.

Both tree guards also serve to protect the free flowers that WAPHA will come back and plant the following Saturday. To get this done, WAPHA is seeking volunteers both Saturdays to assist: Sat. June 2nd for would-be (or real!) carpenters, and Sat. June 9th for all the local Green Thumbs.

This is a chance to help create a unique personality for Washington Avenue as a beautiful, welcoming and interactive neighborhood; sign up here to volunteer and hopefully we'll see each other next Saturday! http://happywashington.org/