Operation Cloverleaf: A Unique Approach to creating a Community Asset
For over twenty years, local landscape companies have worked to make the Interstate 75, State Route 41 interchange sparkle.
One of the benefits of living in a community like Troy is seeing the amazing partnerships that are developed in unique and special ways. Many of the things we take for granted in our community often come from people working together to take liabilities and turn them into assets. Take an interstate interchange as an example.
Few people will ever see the intrinsic beauty in an interstate interchange. These are the kind of places we don’t even give a second thought. We fly by them in the hammer lane in our cars and when we get off the interstate and onto the ramp, we are more concerned about where are destination is that what the interchange actually looks like.
But one of the few people that do care about the beauty of one particular interchange, is Ted Mercer. Mr. Mercer, a lifelong Trojan, is the owner of Mercer Group, Inc., a company that specializes in athletic field construction and maintenance, and also serves as a Miami County Commissioner. This publication had the chance to sit down with Mr. Mercer and talk about a project that first started over two decades ago and is still going strong, Operation Cloverleaf.
In June 2003, Mr. Mercer saw the 18 acre interchange of Interstate 75 and State Route 41 as an opportunity to create something more than just a typical place to get off the road; he saw a rare chance to create something unique and beautiful in our community.
“It’s a true team effort. We have seven companies that are donating their time and expertise to make this interchange beautiful, many of these companies have been around since day one. These are the folks that need thanked for their contribution,” Mr. Mercer said.
The companies that contribute to this effort include Greentech Lawn and Irrigation, Tree Care, Inc., Anderson’s Tree and Turf Tech, Quality Lawn, Landscape and Fence, Inc., Evergreen Turf and Landscape and Mr. Mercer’s own company, Mercer Group, Inc. MGZ Lawn and Grounds Care of suburban Dayton is the new kid on the block joining the effort this year.
Each year, these companies combined provide around $70,000 of in-kind services to the interchange. “It’s more than just mowing,” according to Mr. Mercer. “We are putting in mulch, spraying for weeds, putting in fertilizer, pruning shrubs, it’s everything. When the Emerald Ash Borer came through a few years ago, we had these businesses step up and take out trees and replace them. There are over 200 trees at the interchange.”
“And the companies that are involved are doing more than just the bare minimum, they are always coming up with new ways to enhance the interchange. In 2019, nearly 200 boxwood shrubs were added to spell ‘TROY’ on the west side of the interchange. In 2010, roses and tulips were planted.” added Mr. Mercer.
One of the critical parts of the program is that all the businesses are committed to the success. “One of the partners is out there every week from March to November at least mowing, but they take on additional responsibilities throughout the year as well. Usually in the fall, we have one day when everyone is there working on the interchange,” according to Mr. Mercer.
Perhaps the most amazing part of the project is how it has lasted for so long. The project began when Mr. Mercer mailed out letters to twelve other lawn and landscape business owners in the community. “In 2003, we sent out twelve letters and received eight positive responses. All we asked is that these companies provide their talent, expertise and equipment to the project to maintain the interchange. Each year they come back. Over the years, the project has provided over $1 million in in-kind services,” said Mr. Mercer.
Mr. Mercer concluded our visit, “If this project didn’t happen, we would certainly have a lesser quality product at a cost that is paid entirely by the taxpayer. Operation Cloverleaf is just another example of ordinary people doing extraordinary work for the benefit of the community.”
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A big thanks to these companies! The interchange is a great model for other communities to consider.