Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation Department hosted their annual Spring Clean Up on Saturday morning, gathering around 50 volunteers to celebrate Earth Day.
The event kicked off at the Carolyn Schutte Pocket Park, where participants signed up for a raffle, grabbed gloves, bags, and free t-shirts with the message “Love Where You Live.” Volunteers then set out to tackle trash and debris in the community’s streams and downtown areas.
Teams walked along the Fishing River and Linear Park Trail systems, collecting litter. Sunnyside Hill was also temporarily closed for safe cleaning of the hillside. While cooler than recent days, the sunny weather encouraged volunteers to shed layers, with minimal wind keeping things comfortable.
Following feedback from residents, the City of Excelsior Springs focused efforts on cleaning up overgrown brush and honeysuckle around the steps and fence row at the old Wyman School. City Councilman Reggie St. John, who grew up and raised his daughter in the neighborhood, highlighted the importance of this cleanup to him personally.
The dedicated volunteer hours significantly reduce the workload for the Parks and Recreation Department in maintaining public areas. The City welcomes collaboration with groups and organizations interested in cleaning up public spaces. To arrange brush pile collection, please contact the City of Excelsior Springs.
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