Brookhaven has been selected as the most scenic city in thestate for 2006 by the Mississippi Urban Forestry Council.

Donna Yowell, executive director of the MUFC, presented the 2006Scenic Community of Mississippi Award to a contingent of Brookhavenaldermen and Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerceofficials Friday, April 28, during the 2006 Celebration of TreesAwards ceremony in Jackson.

“We’re thrilled that Brookhaven has been selected for thisaward. It’s a prestigious award and we feel honored to have beenchosen,” said Mayor Bob Massengill. “It’s something the wholecommunity can be proud of because it took the involvement of thewhole community to achieve it.”

It is only the third time the award has been given. Previouswinners include Meridian in 2004 and Olive Branch in 2005.

“I think it’s a big deal and a great honor for Brookhaven to bethe third one to receive this,” said Rita Rich, Chamberpresident.

Brookhaven was selected based on its application, a visit byjudges and aerial photographs, Rich said.

“This just shows that the people of Brookhaven respect how ourcommunity looks and are willing to put forth the effort to keep itbeautiful,” Massengill said.

The award not only recognizes the individual effort of residentsand businesses in maintaining their property, but also groupefforts and long-term community planning by the city and variouscivic organizations, the mayor said.

Rich mentioned the planting of crepe myrtles along “President’sRow” on Highway 51, the installation of brick planters downtown andappearance improvement projects along Brookway Boulevard and on theMississippi School of the Arts campus.

“There have been a lot of different agencies who have cometogether to make this possible,” she said. “I think it’s somethingall of our citizens can be proud of.”

Cliff Brumfield, the Chamber’s executive director, said theaccolades are well deserved for “the volunteers who have workedover the years to beautify the community.”

The efforts recognized by the award should also help the cityeconomically by boosting economic development possibilities.

“It not only adds to our enjoyment and quality of life, but italso helps attract new citizens and businesses,” he said.

The 2006 Scenic Community of Mississippi Award will be displayedin the city’s conference room soon, Massengill said, so allcitizens can enjoy it.