Crystal City’s OZ Wins Tina Turner Award
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16th, 2009
CONTACT: Angela Fox, 703-412-9430
Crystal City’s OZ Wins Tina Turner Award
The Emerald City’s Green Programs Continue to Make a Difference
Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – On Saturday, June 13th, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, won the Tina Turner Award for Best Float in the 2009 Capital Pride Parade. Echoing their March launch of Green Scene – a slate of sustainable-based activities – at “Arena Stage in OZ, the Emerald City,” the team built an amazing mobile rendition of OZ easily earning the coveted first place award. Beyond creative community branding, Crystal City’s Green Scene has brought meaning and credibility to the area’s reputation for environmentally-focused, forward-thinking programs and events.
"This has been an extremely rewarding program for us," said Angela Fox, Crystal City BID President/CEO. "We take great pride in the external recognition for these efforts, as recipient of the JK Sustainability Award, as well as the Tina Turner Award. But this only underscores the internal sense of accomplishment in making a difference in our environment now and for the future."
Shortly after the kickoff Gala, Crystal City got fit, healthy, green, and ready for spring with five consecutive 5K Friday races. Over 2,200 runners crossed the finish line in this series designed to get people outside and exercising. The program then shifted from “fitness surge” to Power Purge, a day-long effort encouraging area businesses and residents to safely and securely recycle old computers and equipment. This second annual event collected 22 tons of electronics. Next, the BID launched Crystal Wi-Fi, free Internet access throughout the area’s many green spaces, providing another excuse for residents, employees, and visitors to get outside.
Knowing the no-emission benefits of cycling, Crystal City then tuned in to Bike to Work Day on May 15th with a Crystal City Pit Stop that serviced over 250 people. On May 31st, The Air Force Cycling Classic and Crystal Ride saw over 200 professional cyclists from around the globe and nearly 1,000 riders looking to challenge themselves on the 12.5 KM course. Both events showcased Crystal City’s many cycling assets and possibilities whether for commuting, fitness, or fun.
Crystal Farms, one of the area’s newest farmers’ markets, opened in mid-May with over 20 vendors offering fresh produce, breads, salsas, flowers, meat, eggs, and more! The weekly market attracts hundreds of shoppers from area residences and offices as well as those commuting home on the Metro or the Route 1 corridor. The large number of customers and high sales has led to the addition of several produce farmers illustrating the fact that Crystal Farms fills an unmet demand for locally-produced food and grocery products. The farmers’ market complements the already popular Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program bringing weekly deliveries of fresh produce from Bluemont-based Great Country Farms to Crystal City members.
Crystal City continues to roll out new and expanded Crystal Green programs. The “low-to-no waste policy” established in 2008 for all Crystal City events has been expanded through a partnership with commercial composter, Envirelation. Area restaurants are also getting into the green-mix through a relationship with waste oil recycler, Greener Oil Company. The restaurants along soulful 23rd Street’s Restaurant Row have been recycling nearly 900 gallons of waste oil into bio-diesel per month. This week, installation will begin on the Eco-Art program in the Crystal City Water Park. The program features a series of environmentally-inspired bamboo sculptures by local artist, Sergio Menendez. One intricately designed sculpture will be placed on each of the six grassy mounds within the park. The artist is required to utilize strictly biodegradable and natural materials throughout the sculpture to convey the Green message.
The BID has also ordered 50 on-street recycling bins which, in partnership with area property owners including Vornado / Charles E. Smith, Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group, and Gould Property Company, will roll out later this summer. The branded, green cans will be strategically placed throughout Crystal City and will accept papers, bottles, and cans.
The Crystal City BID has an intense commitment to these green programs and actively scouts for relevant and high-impact ideas and effective examples. The BID also openly shares successes and strategies with other community-based groups that seek to minimize their area’s carbon footprint, reduce automotive travel, increase recycling levels, and promote environmental awareness and sensitivity to area businesses, restaurants, and residents.
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About the Crystal City BID
Established in April of 2006, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is creating a soul for Crystal City. A public-private partnership, the BID is providing a higher level of service to visitors, workers and residents in Crystal City - driving to become a world-class destination in both Arlington and the greater DC region. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.
