Peter Bronski, Manager, Sustainable Communities Program for Audubon International, recently toured the City of Coconut Creek for a baseline assessment for the City to become a “Certified Audubon Sustainable Community”.

“As a litmus test, we look for open spaces/greenways, alternative transportation options, a commitment to water and energy conservation, and housing initiatives. If communities are tackling those issues, chances are they’re on the right track towards sustainability,” stated Bronski. “We are interested in both recognizing communities for the good things they’re doing, and in helping those communities do even better. Coconut Creek is definitely a progressive community with some impressive accomplishments under its belt, and a community that’s moving in the right direction.”

Bronski visited Hillsboro Pineland Park (County), Pine Creek Development, LongPine Greenway, Lyons Creek Middle School, the proposed MainStreet area, Coral Tree Park, Tradewinds Park/Butterfly World, the Coconut Creek Community Center, BCC North Campus, Fern Forest, the Government Center, and a residential backyard.

There are three stages in the certification process: assessment, planning and implementation. Certification can take up to three years. The next step for Creek is to complete a self-guided assessment of its strengths, opportunities, accomplishments and challenges across a variety of categories under the broad umbrella of sustainability. That self-guided assessment will inform a visioning process of looking to the future and planning policies and practices that will make the Creek the best it can be.

“What we’ve gathered from this visit is that this is a government-driven program with extensive community involvement,” said Todd Henry-DeJesus, Planning Projects Coordinator, City of Coconut Creek. “We have a great opportunity to be the first in the State of Florida to be certified by Audubon International.”

Audubon International is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), environmental education organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. To learn more, visit www.auduboninternational.org.