The community is coming together for the next park cleanup event at Baker Park on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Volunteers are invited to participate in the effort to restore and maintain the beauty of the park. The event will begin at 1 p.m., with participants asked not to arrive before 12:30 p.m. Cleanup activities will start at the boat ramp parking lot, with plans to extend through the park’s pathways and underpass.
This will be the first cleanup effort at Baker Park in six weeks, and organizers are anticipating a significant amount of litter and debris, even though the area does not typically host campers. Volunteers will collect trash and other waste, working around any homeless encampments encountered, documenting them, and then moving on to continue the cleanup. Participants may be surprised by the variety of items discovered over such a short period. Those who own metal detectors are encouraged to bring them along for any potential treasure-hunting opportunities.
Prior to beginning the cleanup, there will be a short meeting and a meet-and-greet session to introduce new and returning volunteers. The organizers will provide gloves, trash bags, and grabbers to ensure everyone is equipped for the task. For newcomers, limited edition “Ask Me About My Parks” pins will be available as a small token of appreciation. Additional pins are expected to be available in the near future.
Baker Park has long been cherished by the local community, and efforts like these not only keep it clean but also foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility. Previous cleanups have highlighted the ongoing need to maintain public spaces and keep them safe and enjoyable for everyone.
For those interested in joining future cleanup events, organizers encourage becoming involved in planning meetings and participating in park maintenance efforts. The initiative aims to inspire a sense of stewardship and community pride, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of caring for shared public spaces.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary—just a willingness to help. To stay informed about future cleanup events or to get involved with the planning process, contact the organizing team or visit the local community board for upcoming dates and details. Together, let’s keep our parks clean and vibrant for everyone to enjoy.