GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A light breeze rustles the budding trees at Ken-O-Sha Park in Grand Rapids. The Plaster Creek babbles as a red-bellied woodpecker drums in the canopy above to signal that this is his territory. It's a scene that is both peaceful and naturally beautiful, and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks want to keep it that way.
That's why the organization is hosting its annual "It's My Park" clean up event on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at eight parks across the city. Park ambassadors will lead volunteers as they pick up trash, spread mulch, and prune trees. All are welcome to join.
"There's so many good things that happen to people's minds and bodies and hearts and souls when they're outside. And I think what's really great about this event, and the tree planning, and a lot of the things that we do with Friends is it brings people together," said new executive director Stacy Bare.
"When you get out, and you're working on something together to make it better for everybody, that's what it means. It's the community. It's healing work."
No experience or equipment is necessary. Friends will provide everything you need.
"People can show up however they want stay as long as they want," Bare said.
"If people want to come with their own gloves and shovels and trash bags, great, but we've got it for folks."
Participating parks include Ken-O-Sha, Mackay Jaycees, Greenwood Cemetery, Garfield Park, Plaster Creek Park, Cherry Park, Wilcox Park and Lincoln Park. You can register to volunteer on the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks website. If your park isn't listed, the organization invites community members to clean up trash in their own local park.
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