By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
Douglas Airhart is a little bit like Victor Kiam, who always said at the end of razor commercials years ago, “I was so impressed, I bought the company.”
Airhart was so impressed with Lakeside after his first visit, he bought his own place.
“It’s a beautiful location,” Airhart said. “There is so much to do all day, every day during the season.”
Airhart’s first visit to Lakeside was in 2023 as a judge for America in Bloom (AIB), an all-volunteer nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio. According to its website, AIB “promotes and builds vibrant and sustainable communities through volunteerism and education, emphasizing flowers, plants, trees, heritage and environmental and lifestyle enhancements.” The organization envisions communities across the country as the “best examples of welcoming and vibrant places to live, work and play.”
Lakeside has earned multiple AIB awards over the years, including the 3,700-5,000 Population Category Award at the organization’s symposium and awards celebration in September 2025. Lakeside residents Tom and Lori Hilt were recognized by AIB in 2025 as a “Gardens Across America” property for its floral impact, landscaping, urban forestry and environmental efforts. Lakeside will host the symposium for the first time in 2028.
Impressive Credentials
Airhart grew up in the Los Angeles area and earned a bachelor’s degree in renewable natural resources from the University of California, Davis. He went on to receive a master’s degree in water resources management from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in plant science from the University of Georgia.
He began his career teaching floriculture courses at the University of Massachusetts, and for the past 40 years, has taught a variety of horticulture courses in the School of Agriculture at Tennessee Technological University.
Joining America in Bloom
A colleague nominated Airhart to join AIB, and after meeting with staff members during a 2015 training session, he was invited to come aboard the following year.
Each AIB evaluation team includes two representatives who assess and determine which communities are most deserving of the 34 awards presented at the annual symposium. The advisory coordinator organizes the judging schedule, and each community is evaluated across seven criteria: community vitality, overall impression, environmental initiatives, heritage celebration, urban forestry, landscaped areas and floral impact.
“I’ve been to both sides of the states over the last 10 years, and a lot of cities in the middle,” Airhart said.
Buying into Lakeside
Airhart spent just two days in Lakeside during his judging assignment, but that was all it took for him to fall in love with the community. He began researching available properties and worked with a Keller Williams realtor to tour an apartment in the Lake View Historic Inn, located across from the Lakeside Women’s Club. He made an offer, and it was accepted.
“I just really liked the tight community,” Airhart said. “Everything seems to be well connected.”
Since Cookeville, Tennessee, is more than eight hours from Lakeside, Airhart doesn’t visit as often as he’d like. He used to make an eight-hour drive to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but now prefers the peaceful charm of Lakeside.
Airhart has moved his bike to Lakeside but admits he hasn’t used it much. Instead, he and a friend enjoy walking along Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile, visiting the Dock, sitting on the bench near the Old Bell Tower, and catching rides on the shuttle. His main goal when he’s here? Relaxation.
“I’m there for vacation, not for work,” Airhart said. “We drive around the area and be regular tourists. If I see things that need to be done associated with trees on the property, that will wait.”
