Keeping Macomb Beautiful for Over 50 Years
A volunteer-driven community dedicated to enhancing, preserving, and celebrating the spaces we all share in Macomb, Illinois.
Who we are
The Macomb Beautiful Association (MBA) is a dedicated group of civic-minded volunteers who share a common goal: to enhance the natural and visual beauty of Macomb for everyone who calls it home. For more than five decades, our members have worked together to plant flowers and trees, maintain welcoming public spaces, and create meaningful places where the community can gather, reflect, and connect.
Through consistent care and thoughtful improvements, Macomb Beautiful helps shape a city that feels vibrant, welcoming, and full of pride — ensuring that both residents and visitors experience the best of what our community has to offer.
What We Do
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Beautification Projects
From colorful seasonal plantings to the ongoing care of public spaces, Macomb Beautiful plays an active role in shaping the appearance of our city. These projects are designed not only to improve visual appeal but to create environments that people enjoy spending time in — spaces that feel cared for, welcoming, and alive.
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Community Programs
We believe beautification begins at home. Through programs like our Tree Project and Pollinator Pocket Gardens, we provide residents with both the resources and encouragement to take part in improving their own surroundings — creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community.
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Seasonal Enhancements
Throughout the year, Macomb Beautiful brings seasonal charm to the city. From holiday lighting displays in Chandler Park and the Amtrak Depot to thoughtfully maintained planters and gathering spaces, these efforts help create a sense of warmth, tradition, and shared experience.
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Recognition & Awards
Celebrating those who contribute to a beautiful community is at the heart of what we do. Our annual Beautification Awards recognize residents and businesses whose efforts make a visible difference, encouraging continued pride and participation across Macomb.
Featured Projects
50th Anniversary Mural
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Macomb Beautiful proudly gifted a large-scale mural to the City of Macomb — an enduring symbol of community pride and collaboration. Funded by generous contributions from local individuals, businesses, and organizations, the mural is located on the north wall of Gelsosomo’s at the corner of Randolph and East Calhoun Streets. It serves as a vibrant landmark that residents and visitors alike can enjoy for years to come.
Living Lincoln Topiary Monument
The Living Lincoln Topiary Monument is a 16-foot-high by 8-foot-wide bust of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. Its mixed-media construction of durable cast stone and steel features a unique topiary aspect in which the president’s beard consists of real living flowering plants and greenery — making it the only sculpture of its kind in the world. Macomb Beautiful Association proudly assists in the maintenance and upkeep of this incredible piece of art, ensuring it remains vibrant throughout the growing season.
Our Impact
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50+ Years of Service
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Thousands of Flowers Planted
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100+ Business Members
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Generations of Community Volunteers
“Thank you to all that helped to make Macomb look so beautiful for the Holiday Season and throughout the year. It is very much appreciated.”
— Karen S. Macomb, IL
Help Us make Macomb Even More Beautiful
Every project, every flowerbed, and every improvement is made possible through community support. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, participate in a program, or make a donation, your involvement helps ensure that Macomb continues to grow as a place of beauty, pride, and connection.