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Recognition

GCAA 2019 Category 9: Lewisville

By December 13, 2019No Comments
Each year, the Governor’s Community Achievement Awards (GCAA) celebrate ten Texas communities for their outstanding efforts to keep their communities beautiful. From the Texas coast to the Panhandle, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has awarded cities with this honor since 1986. Winners are selected for their ability to engage citizens, local businesses, schools, and other organizations in environmental improvement initiatives. Categorized by population, these ten cities share an award of $2 million in landscaping projects. Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) and TxDOT have worked together to administer the GCAA for more than 30 years.

The GCAA 2020 application is officially open. Review the application and apply at ktb.org/gcaa

​Category 9: Lewisville

Population 90,001-180,000

Landscape Award: $290,000

Lewisville, Texas, is a dynamic suburban community in the thriving North Texas region. Home to 108,159 residents, Lewisville occupies 36-square miles of land and encompasses six- square miles of Lewisville Lake. With its location just minutes from DFW International Airport, and straddling two major highways, Lewisville is perfectly positioned for easy access to the rest of North Texas and the world. In the heart of the community is their greatest natural asset, Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA). This unique nature preserve encompasses 2,000+ acres of protected prairie and bottomland forest near the Trinity River, providing miles of hiking and paddling trails, environmental education, conservation efforts and outdoor recreation. City of Lewisville’ tenets are to “value people,” “serve every day” and “build our future.” These values are evident in their commitment to community improvement. 

Lewisville’s active approach to environmental education and engagement through community programs have helped make it a better place to live, work and play. Keep Lewisville Beautiful (KLB) helps steers these efforts by providing volunteer opportunities, education, and environmental resources. Last year, KLB engaged 4,439 volunteers who contributed 10,103 hours, while removing 28 tons of trash from the community. The City does its part with a focus on sustainability, extending public green spaces, revitalizing neighborhoods, and managing LLELA educational programs.

KLB also works with the city and community to educate the public about recycling, waste reduction, litter prevention, and beautification issues. In 2018, KLB provided 2,265 educational hours to 2,008 participants through environmental programs. The Lewisville I.S.D.Outdoor Learning Area created educational opportunities for 10,780 students and 1,446 adult educators through their 85-acre outdoor learning area designed to enhance students’ engagement with learning and nature.

KLB and the City partner on projects that improve the community’s appearance, instill pride, and have a positive impact on economic development and prosperity in Lewisville. In 2018, the City planted 5,366 plants and 40 trees. KLB also planted 24 trees during Arbor Day celebrations. KLB participates in the Don’t mess with Texas Trash-Off, Texas Waterway Cleanup, Recycles Day, Earth Day and Adopt-A-Spot litter prevention programs. Record-breaking event participation and engagement at KLB events showcase the public’s positive attitude towards litter prevention.

The Executive Director of KLB, Amy Wells, says Lewisville’s active approach to environmental education and their unique urban wilderness in the heart of the community sets them apart from other communities. “We all work together to contribute to a greener and more sustainable Lewisville and are excited to see how these GCAA funds will further beautify our community,” she says.

To learn more about our GCAA winner go to ktb.org/GCAA