How VABI Works
Our Mission: to make Venice a more beautiful place to live, work and play!
For more than 20 years, the dedicated Board and active volunteers that energize Venice Area Beautification, Inc. have embraced their mission to make the City of Venice and the surrounding community a vibrant and attractive place to call home. Venice has an engaging natural charm that VABI enhances through their park and public art projects. As a vital community nonprofit, VABI takes pride in their capacity to partner effectively with governments, foundations and a variety of local associations. This ability to plan park and art projects and bring them to completion efficiently has earned Venice Area Beautification, Inc. well-deserved community respect.
The recently revitalized John Nolen Park is a good example of how VABI works. Just a block west of Harbor Drive and close to downtown John Nolen Park is situated in Palmetto Court just off Menendez Avenue. Located in the apartment district the park was an ideal gathering place for picnics and family out-of-doors recreation, but it needed a face lift. With authorization from the Venice Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, VABI went to work starting with an asphalt walk way around the park perimeter. VABI volunteers added to the tree canopy by planning six Live Oaks, installed a horse shoe pit, BBQ and picnic tables.With copy submitted by the Venice Historical Society, 21 signs located around the linear path tell the story of the growth of Venice and the contribution made by city planner and park namesake, John Nolen.
Click here to read the entire story of renovating John Nolen Park and our other projects.
The Florida Panther is VABI’s newest art in public places installation. Located in the southwest corner of West Blalock Park, the Florida Panther joins a Manatee and Turtle in a pleasant city center park environment (look for Turin, Nassau and Pensacola Streets on the Island of Venice). Donated by a devoted Venice citizen, the panther’s natural setting was designed and built by VABI volunteers.
Check out this handsome panther and all there is to see at West Blalock Park by going to theIn the News navigation bar and clicking on Articles and Press Releases.
Each year in December VABI gives a party for the children of Venice and all those who are young at heart. The Holiday Tree Lighting event is usually the second Saturday in December begins with a transformation of West Blalock Park into a lighted wonderland. There is a wonderful tradition of families selecting a tree and decorating it; often dedicating it to a treasured family member. VABI completes the festival of lights by stringing lights everywhere possible, inviting children’s groups to sing, bands to play, cookies to munch and a visit by Santa. The Holiday Tree Lighting event is FREE and a treasured family-centered evening to remember.
Mark your calendar now and save the second weekend in December to usher in the holiday season with VABI at West Blalock Park!
How fortunate it is that VABI recognizes the value of preserving green spaces, protecting beach environments and creating city parks for every citizen to enjoy. At VABI everyone is personally involved in every aspect of presenting ideas, crafting a plan, securing authorization and funding and showing up to dig in the earth and produce a new park.
Venice Area Beautification, Inc. is your local advocate dedicated to creating beautiful environments
What’s VABI up to next? Click here to learn about our Ribbons Project!
