KBAB’s mission is beautification

Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful is dedicated to making Broken Arrow a more beautiful place.

Their mission is simple; it's in their name.

These dedicated volunteers strive to enhance community life through ongoing beautification efforts and activities that inspire and educate residents.

One way Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful (KBAB) benefits the community is through their involvement with the bi-annual Trash Bash and Recycling Rallies.

"Twice a year, we do a Trash Bash and Recycling Rally," said Sharon Atcheson, KBAB Chairperson. "We get people in the community, homeowners' associations, student groups, or anyone who wants to go out and pick up litter in the neighborhood, and they go out and clean up their neighborhoods."

On the same days each year, they also partner with the City and hold a Recycling Rally at the same time as the Trash Bash.

"The city has a drive-through recycling rally for some of the hard-to-recycle and hazardous things that need to be eliminated from the environment," Atcheson said. "They come in and collect ammunition, sharps, tires, cardboard, drugs, lots of different things."

This event is open to anyone; you do not have to live in Broken Arrow to drop off items at the Recycling Rally, according to Atcheson.

"We have paper shredding available also," she said. "People come in and drive through, and we thank them for coming and participating in our event. They thank us for the opportunity to get rid of some of the things that they need to recycle at their homes."

The next Trash Bash and Recycling Rally will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

In addition, KBAB hosts an annual Rose Festival and partners with the Chalk It Up Art Festival and the Rose Kites over Broken Arrow for a three-day weekend celebration in September. The Rose Festival is one way the organization educates the public about the importance of roses, monarchs, and other pollinators to the environment. It is also a fundraiser for The Gardens at Central Park.

Speaking of the Gardens at Central Park, Atcheson says it is a dream that has finally become a reality.

"That is something that we've been working on for several years, and we have to thank the residents of Broken Arrow who voted for the bond in 2018," Atcheson said. "We were able to get $500,000 from that to build this wonderful garden in Broken Arrow."

The Gardens at Central Park is located on the west side of Central Park, at 1500 S. Main St. It is a 33,000-square-foot destination garden featuring open grassy areas and native plants to attract pollinators. The garden features canopy and ornamental trees, as well as various plantings, including Asters, Agastache, Butterfly Weed, Joe Pye Weed, Phlox, Bee Balm, Sunflowers, Bellflowers, Mexican Hat Plants, Rue, and, of course, Roses. It also includes sensory-rich herbs such as ornamental garlic, chives, basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Architectural elements, including a pergola, an entry plaza, and a bubbling water feature, are also notable highlights of the garden.

Atcheson credits the organization's volunteers who write grants and find the resources to improve the city.

"I think what makes it (KBAB) unique is that everybody on this board is a volunteer, and with all the things we have done, going out finding resources," Atcheson said. "With the exception of the bond, we have gone out and written grants and done all the things we could do to beautify our city.

While Atcheson is proud of the work her organization has accomplished, she is even prouder of the city.

"Everything that we do in Broken Arrow has been done well, and if you take the time and energy to do it well, then you have a good reputation," Atcheson said. "Broken Arrow is an up-and-coming community, and everybody works together in Broken Arrow. There's a great synergy going on in our city. Because we all work together, we can accomplish more than we ever could otherwise."

In reference to the upcoming 2026 General Obligation Bond, Atcheson is very engaged and excited about prospective projects all over the city. Phase 2 of The Gardens at Central Park is one of the projects that the City Council will be considering as they narrow down the list of projects that could be accomplished if voters approve the bond package.

She says it's essential for people to get involved and let city leaders know what they would like to see in the bond package propositions.

"It's very, very important to get out and support the bond," Atcheson said. "We were overwhelmingly approved last time, and we hope to have the same thing this time," Atcheson said. "Most people in Broken Arrow are very supportive of the city and know everything you do for our city comes back to you."

With engagement, Atcheson said residents can take pride in knowing that they are a part of making Broken Arrow an even more beautiful place to live.

"It increases property values every time some of the nicer amenities are added in the neighborhood," she said. "It will make you more willing to stay in Broken Arrow, and other people will want to move to Broken Arrow also."

For more information about how to get involved, go to Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful.