Part of a yearslong effort by the City of Soldotna to improve the aesthetics of Sterling Highway and the larger Soldotna community will see the delivery of 41 trees of various species to the city in May.

According to a resolution approved by the Soldotna City Council at their Wednesday meeting, the city received three bids for the project, the lowest of which came from B&B Landscape at $22,625.

According to a memo from Associate Planner Jennifer Hester to Soldotna City Manager Stephanie Queen, the species of trees that were selected will “match and complement” existing trees at Soldotna Creek Park. Those species include white spruce trees, lilac and flowering crab.

Areas in the city that will receive improvements as part of the project include two sites at the intersection of Kalifornsky Beach Road and Sterling Highway, the landscape island in front of AK Wildgear and Trustworthy Hardware & Fishing, and the corner of S. Kobuk Street and Sterling Highway, among others.

The city first approved funds for landscaping improvements in 2015 as part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Other improvements eligible under the plan include things like gateway signs, street banners and park signage.

“Existing lawns offer easy enhancement opportunities,” said the city’s 2015 Downtown Improvement Plan. “Planting hedge or trees contributes to streetscape continuity and draws attention to existing businesses.”

More information about Soldotna’s tree purchase and downtown improvement plans can be found at soldotna.org.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.