One of the more beautiful attractions at last Sunday’s Fall Arts and Crafts Festival in South Park wasn’t found in a vendor’s booth.

It was the colorful floral display exploding from the bed just west of the South Park bandstand.

Like the products displayed by exhibitors at the fair, the park landscaping represents a lot of hard work. With an assist from Mother Nature, who supplied more rain than usual this summer, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation crews have outdone themselves with abundant and attractive flower displays in downtown planters and city parks.

City employees also get an assist from volunteers who pitch in to plant flowers at certain times of the year. In fact, the city put out a call earlier this week for volunteers to help plant mums in downtown Lawrence on Oct. 2 and 3. People who would like to help can sign up through the city’s website or by calling the Parks and Recreation offices at 832-3450.

According to the city’s website, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for 64 parks and open spaces covering nearly 4,000 acres. Simply maintaining these properties is no small task, but city crews put in considerable extra effort to create attractive landscaping and outstanding seasonal floral plantings at the city’s most visible parks and intersections. Any home gardener can appreciate how much work goes into those displays.

The city gardens are a source of enjoyment for both residents and visitors to the city, and they project a sense of community pride, as well.

Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who help maintain attractive plantings in public areas throughout the city. This year’s flowers are looking better than ever.