Quincy Tree Commission presents Landscape Award to Blessing Health System

QUINCY — The Quincy Tree Commission presented the “Quincy’s Prestigious Landscape Award” to Blessing Health System during a ceremony Oct. 4 near the intersection of 12th and Broadway.

Quincy Mayor Mike Troup and Maureen Kahn, president/CEO of Blessing Health System, joined representatives of the city and Blessing Health System, as well as members of the Quincy Tree Commission, for the presentation to recognize the organization’s commitment to community beautification.

Troup said the improvements to the northwest corner of 12th and Broadway have changed the appearance and character of the entire area.

“Thousands of people drive through that intersection every single day,” Troup said in a press release. “Many of them are passing through the city for the first time or for the first time in a long time. We must provide an inviting and welcoming atmosphere as we work to grow our population, and the work that Blessing has done has greatly improved our vital Broadway corridor.”

“The intersection of 12th and Broadway is a busy place,” Kahn said. “Our hope is Blessing’s design of the northwest corner of the intersection gives people the feeling of open space and beauty — a chance to take a deep breath and relax for a moment during their busy day.”

“We are grateful as a commission to identify and reward businesses in the community that realize the value of public beautification, landscaping and duplicating the natural environment in an urban setting,”
said Sarah Michaels Fernandez, chair of the Quincy Tree Commission. “Today, we thank Blessing Health
System for its contribution to that vision and cause.”

Fernandez said this year’s award takes on added significance following the recent passing of Anne St.
John, who helped found the Quincy Tree Commission.

Recipients of the “Quincy’s Prestigious Landscape Award” must be located within the city of Quincy. The most recent recipient was the Illinois Veterans Home in 2021.

The City of Quincy has been a Tree City USA for more than 36 years. The Arbor Day Foundation
recognized Quincy in April with a Tree City USA Growth Award for the city’s commitment to effective
urban forest management.