As Grants Pass prepares to launch the 40th season of its beloved Concerts in the Park series, community members are being invited to lend a hand in helping make Riverside Park welcoming, clean, and safe for thousands of visitors expected to attend the summer tradition.
A pair of volunteer cleanup efforts are scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, at Riverside Park, giving residents an opportunity to contribute directly to one of the city’s longest-running and most popular community events. Organizers are seeking volunteers to assist with collecting litter and tidying public areas ahead of the opening concert.
The first cleanup session will begin at 9:15 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet in front of the playground area, where cleanup coordinator Del Aldridge will be available to organize teams and provide instructions. A second cleanup effort will take place later that afternoon at 4:15 p.m. near the concert stage. Volunteers attending the afternoon session should look for organizer Amy upon arrival.
Organizers estimate that each cleanup effort will take approximately 45 minutes, making it an easy way for residents to give back to the community without committing a large portion of their day. Cleanup supplies, including grabbers, gloves, and collection bags, will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for safety while working throughout the park.
The volunteer effort comes as Grants Pass celebrates a significant milestone for Concerts in the Park, which enters its 40th season this summer. For four decades, the annual series has brought residents together through live music, family activities, and community gatherings at Riverside Park. The event has become a hallmark of the summer season, drawing attendees from across Southern Oregon and helping showcase the community spirit that has long defined Grants Pass.
According to Aldridge, the goal of the cleanup is simple but important. “We want to make the park safe for all the families in Grants Pass,” he said.
With temperatures expected to be warm during the day, organizers chose to offer both a morning and afternoon cleanup opportunity to give volunteers additional flexibility. The effort is intended not only to improve the appearance of the park but also to help ensure that visitors can enjoy a clean and comfortable environment throughout the concert season.
Residents of all ages who are able to participate are encouraged to attend either cleanup session and help prepare Riverside Park for another summer of music, recreation, and community connection. Organizers say every volunteer makes a difference and that even a short amount of time can have a lasting impact on one of Grants Pass’ most cherished public spaces.