La Grande Parks and Rec names 2026 Spring Beautification Award winner
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Press release from La Grande Parks and Recreation) The La Grande Community Landscape and Forestry Commission is pleased to announce the residential winner of this year’s spring beautification award, the Escobar family at 701 C Avenue.
The Escobar family’s yard is an eye-catching oasis on busy C Avenue, full of colorful and drought tolerant plants. Samantha Escobar said that the heavy foot traffic along the street was the original inspiration to remove the lawn and start landscaping the area. She purposefully designed the landscape so there is something blooming year-round, and she enjoys watching the various colors emerge through the seasons. “It’s really nice to have something to share with the community,” she said, and the family appreciates chatting with neighbors who stop to admire the garden.
The purpose of the Beautification Awards Program is to recognize residential and commercial properties that add to the beauty and diversity of La Grande’s environment. Nominations for this seasonal award are made by the community, and winners are chosen by the La Grande Community Landscape and Forestry Commission and city employees. Nominations for the summer season will open in July. For more information about the beautification awards program visit www.cityoflagrande.org/urbanforestry or contact the Urban Forestry Division at 541-663-1952, trees@cityoflagrande.org.
