Champion Great Neighborhoods November 2019 | Page 2

Highlights
Arlington Earns Prominent Scenic City Certification (Continued)
“Through the Scenic City Certification Program, cities access a low cost, high rate-of-return diagnostic tool,”
said Sarah Tober, Scenic Texas Executive Director. “The detailed evaluation of existing infrastructure standards
provides cities with a roadmap for future growth and development. As municipalities continue to aspire to
certification and our highest level of recognition, platinum, it is a reflection of communities working to make a
more scenic Texas for citizens and visitors.”
“The Gold certification from Scenic Texas demonstrates that the City Council and citizens of Arlington place
a high value on the appearance of their community. Beautifully landscaped public spaces, tree preservation
and properly scaled signage contribute to Arlington’s visual appeal
as a premier city for families and business. This award is yet another
example of the importance that Arlington leaders place on a
well-balanced quality of life,” said Richard Gertson, Planning and
Development Services assistant director.
Through the Scenic City Certification Program, Scenic Texas provides
educational resources to Texas cities that are establishing or revising
ordinances that impact the streetscapes. Additionally, Scenic Texas
supports urban forestry projects, tree planting and preservation
initiatives, the creation of scenic roads and districts, the establishment
and funding of parks and green space, the forestation of our highways,
and the preservation of historic areas.
Arlington Neighborhoods Celebrate National
Night Out 2019
Neighborhoods across The American Dream City celebrated National Night Out,
Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The event promotes crime prevention, police-community partnership and neighborhood
camaraderie. It encourages people to turn on their porch lights, step outside and get to know their
neighbors at small block parties.
Arlington Police officers stopped by the parties to offer public safety tips and build community bonds.
“Policing is relational,” said Arlington Police Chief Will
Johnson. “So if you don’t have a relationship with people,
it’s really hard to understand the things of concern for
them in their neighborhood and also the things that are
going really well. So we try to design the delivery of City
services so people know their beat cop. They know the
team of officers working to make their neighborhood the
best it can be.”
Arlington’s Pinehurst Meadows neighborhood won a contest
to use the City’s Block Party Trailer for the evening. The
community was just one of several to host special events.
“It helps to build that sense of trust in the community
between law enforcement and the people of this
community,” said Pastor Kennedy Jones.