Oakdale’s 2013 Acorn Award Winners

Oakdale has announced the winners of its 2013 Acorn Awards, a program that recognizes “properties that go above and beyond typical maintenance standards and practices, particularly in landscaping efforts.”

Below are the winners with descriptions provided by the city.

Commercial: PINZ (7520 32nd St.)

The state of the-art family entertainment center features elegant and well-kept landscaped areas as well as an inviting patio with flower displays that all combine to provide a warm and inviting venue. PINZ also recently resurfaced their parking lot. Congratulations to PINZ!

Multi-Family: Oakcrest Village Townhomes (12th Street and Helmo Avenue)

It is apparent that the Oakcrest Village residents take great pride in their townhome community. In addition to well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing common areas, the development features well-manicured shrubs and lawns, burst of color from flowers, and other visually pleasing landscaping enhancements. Congratulations to Oakcrest Village!

Public: Oakdale Veteran’s Memorial (1584 Hadley Ave.)

The Oakdale Veteran’s Memorial, completed in 2012, is a fitting tribute to all who served, and are serving, in the military. The stone surround, monuments, benches, water features, customized pavers, and landscaping welcomes visitors and offers them a place of honor and reflection. Congratulations to the Oakdale Veteran’s Memorial Committee.

Residential: Dallas and Kyara Kieffer (6300 block of 15th Street)

The Kieffer property is beautifully landscaped with a combination of trees, hostas, flowers, and large rocks; mulch gives the yard the perfect finishing touch. The plantings complement the cottage-style home and its new deck, pergola, and garage and benches invite all to linger and enjoy the scenery. Congratulations to the Kieffers.

Green Innovations: Ann Ribbens and AJ Moses (680 block of Heron Circle)

Ann and AJ have been working on their cottage-style gardens for 15 years. During that time, their yard has transformed into an oasis of native plantings, trees, and rain gardens. The yard offers rain gardens, fruit trees, vegetable planters, two beehives, and over 40 species of Minnesota native plants. Many of the accessories in the yard are crafted from repurposed lumber, mulch is made from local downed trees and branches, and all yard waste is composted. Ann and AJ drive alternative-fuel vehicles and their home uses a number of energy-efficient appliances. Congratulations to Ann and AJ!