ASHLAND — Local resident Sharron Coeurvie told the Ashland County Board of Commissioners she’d like to help create “ambience” around the county courthouse.
Coeurvie specifically said she’d like to create flower gardens around the building’s exterior.
She’s been working with Sherri Maneese, deputy clerk of the commissioners’ office, to create a plan of how to accomplish the work.
While recently walking past the courthouse, the building grabbed Coeurvie’s attention, she said. She reached out to Maneese to offer her efforts to plant flowers around the property.
“She said ‘I was thinking the same thing,'” Coeurvie said Thursday. “I said, ‘How many pots can you get? I need about 28 to 32.'”
Coeurvie said she completed a similar project at a historic building in Champaign, Ill., where she previously lived for a few years.
“What I wanted to do was create a place that people belong to,” she said. “It transformed unexpectedly to a neighborhood.
“The garden had a life of its own, just like people do.”
As she worked on the garden in Champaign, Coeurvie said people walking by would spark up conversation with her, sharing stories, gardening tips and even life problems.
The plants attracted people from the neighborhood and community. Once tables were added, she said folks would share meals, play games and read books.
“The gardens kind of took on a life of their own and it really drew out people from their own innermost self. We all have that. We have our dreams and frustrations, but we need a place and others,” Coeurvie said.
This movement is something the local nurse would like to recreate in Ashland.
She told commissioners she’d love to add flowers and benches around the courthouse. Fresh paint on railing around the property and potential refurbishing of the old courthouse bell are other efforts Coeurvie feels would spruce up the property.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of just putting in plants. I think it’s the work and other people that would want to join,” she said.
Commissioner Denny Bittle told Coeurvie that beautifying the courthouse property is something the board has wanted to pursue.
Bittle said he’d also like to add some lighting around the courthouse, particularly around the front of the building.
The board plans to have Coeurvie work with Ashland County Maintenance Superintendent Nick Lamp to continue planning the beautification efforts.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Bittle said. “I think we can start moving forward with that. But obviously we’ll have to get a long-term plan of what it eventually will look like.”
He thanked Coeurvie for her public input and willingness to help with the project.
