The Occoquan Beautification Project is Complete

The intersections of Gordon Boulevard and Old Bridge Road, Gordon Boulevard and Interstate 95, and Prince William Parkway and I-95 recently got new landscaping as part of the Occoquan Beautification project.   

The newly planted crepe myrtles, shamrock hollies, knockout roses, eastern redbuds, flowering dogwoods, sweet magnolias, and variegated liriope are more than pretty things to see. According to Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye, these plantings have replaced overgrown vegetation that previously obstructed sightlines and posed safety hazards. 

“This is not only just a beautification and aesthetic thing. This is also traffic safety,” said Boddye. "A lot of overgrown brush in the past has created sightline problems for motorists that have been driving, pedestrians who have been crossing roadways. So, we've been really digging in and putting in plants that are not only easy to maintain and natives, but have a certain height to them, so they can clear out those sight lines while creating a much more beautiful project out here."   

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the beautification projects in each of the seven magisterial districts as part of its Fiscal Year 2024 budget. These projects were managed by the Prince William County Department of Public Works.  

Since first impressions count, many of these plantings have been strategically placed at county entry points to shape positive perceptions of the county among both residents and visitors. 

"We know that the first impression people get of our county is what they see when they drive through,” Boddye said. “So, we like to have beautiful plants, green spaces, things like that; so that's the first impression you get when you visit our community."   

Boddye also thanked the residents for their care and feedback on improving Prince William County.  

"Thank you for your advocacy. This cannot be done without you," Boddye said.  

Watch the Buzz video about the Occoquan Beautification project here.