Litchfield Park commission backs Oct. 24 volunteer cleanup

I think just doing it this one time could be a really nice token of showing we’re here to help.”

Vice Chair Andrea Phillips

Members of the Litchfield Park Recreation and Public Grounds Commission will help to organize a community cleanup event Oct. 24 after a resident requested a local volunteer opportunity for National Make a Difference Day.

The commission unanimously approved participating in the effort during its Sept. 10 meeting. Exact project and registration details remain in the works.

Community and Recreation Services Director Tricia Kramer said the idea came from a Litchfield Park resident who volunteered at similar events in Goodyear and wanted an opportunity to serve closer to home.

“We had some discussions about it and we really like the idea,” Kramer said.

Staff proposed a short Saturday-morning event modeled loosely on the city’s spring orange tree gleaning events. Commissioners suggested helping recruit and greet volunteers, making announcements and directing participants to volunteer sites.

Public Grounds Superintendent Kevin Hamilton said two projects emerged from recent service requests: removing trash from residential alleys and repainting faded yellow reflective safety bollards along city pathways.

Hamilton described the ideas as “really small, simple, easy projects that could have a high impact.”

Commissioner Brian Faith initially questioned whether cleaning a small number of residential alleys would benefit enough of the community. Hamilton responded that many requests for assistance come from older residents who may be physically unable to complete the work themselves.

“There are a lot of elderly in this community,” Hamilton said.

After learning residents had specifically requested assistance, Faith reconsidered his position.

“That definitely changes my perspective on it,” Faith said.

Vice Chair Andrea Phillips said the project also could serve as a reminder to residents’ responsibility to maintain alleys adjoining their properties, as she said neglected areas can also affect neighboring homes.

“I think just doing it this one time could be a really nice token of showing we’re here to help," Phillips said.

The city would provide gloves, trash grabbers, bags, water and basic safety equipment. Volunteers would meet at a central location for registration and a safety briefing before starting the cleanup.

“Just a couple hours on that Saturday morning,” Kramer said. “If it ends early, they go home. If they haven’t finished, that’s OK too.”

The commision as a whole was enuthusiastic about the proposal.

“What do you guys need us to do?” Chair Anthony Taddei asked. “How can we help make this happen?”

Commissioner Christoph Gerz then moved to have staff determine commissioners’ availability and coordinate their participation. The motion passed unanimously.

Kramer said she will notify the city of the motion and begin formal communications regarding the event.

Noah Flug
Reporter | Litchfield Park and Goodyear

nflug@iniusa.org

Community: Litchfield Park and Goodyear

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Digital Audiences from Arizona State University

Random Fact: I only have one biological cousin.

Hobbies: Watching movies and TV, spending time with my friends, aspiring stoic.