Columbia City Council member Belinda Gergel presented the Celia Mann Award to Sherwood Forest on October 18 with these remarks.

"The Celia Mann Award, is presented to a neighborhood or district that has researched and preserved, through a cohesive effort, its structures and common areas by The Columbia Historic Foundation. The efforts must be consistent with historical and architectural research.

"This year’s recipient is the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood. Sherwood Forest is bounded on the west by Kilbourne Road, on the north by Devine Street, on the east by Beltline Boulevard, and on the south by Rosewood Drive. Adjacent neighborhoods include Shandon and Heathwood. Sherwood Forest was developed by the Belser family from farmland and forest in the 1940s and '50s. The original William Gordon Belser home which was built around 1920 still stands at 530 Kilbourne Road. In addition to the early and mid-20th century architecture, and important feature of Sherwood Forest is the ten acre William Gordon Belser Arboretum which was deeded to the University of South Carolina for educational and research purposes.

"For many years, the neighborhood has been actively engaged in building a cohesive neighborhood that celebrates its unique character. In fact, when the city began looking at ways to stop tear downs and construction of “McMansion”-type homes, Sherwood Forest was one of the first groups to the table. Through active advocacy efforts the neighborhood is now protected by the Community Character ordinance.

"President Ed Tilden wrote to neighbors last fall, when highlighting plans for street-top signs and neighborhood stickers: “One of the key objectives of your Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association (SFNA) has been to increase a sense of identity for our neighborhood. We realize that when neighbors feel a sense of ‘belonging’ they are more likely to get involved in neighborhood activities and get to know their neighbors better. That in turn leads to improved neighborhood safety & security as neighbors become more aware of what is going on around them…” He concludes the letter by noting: “Remember, we are the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood. Let’s be proud of that special identity!”

"Please join me in recognizing the many representatives who are here tonight from the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association with the 2010 Celia Mann Award."

See the certificate: http://www.sherwoodforestneighbors.org/pdf/2010_HCA_CeliaMannAward_SFNA.pdf