From recreation coaches to park inspectors to trail and forest stewards, volunteers are essential to the work we do at Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR). The pandemic greatly curtailed our volunteer programs, however, and it’s only now that conditions have improved enough for us to feel safe in re-starting some larger, outdoor volunteer projects.
Among the tasks volunteers have been very eager to help with is the work of the Clean City Initiative, a program that invests $3 million into new and existing efforts to clean up litter and garbage across the city. We’re very excited to have their assistance with this ongoing program, which pulls together and expands efforts from several City departments to address the backlog in park and city street maintenance.
The next dates for volunteers to help with the Clean City Initiative have not yet been announced, but we will post here when they are. For other volunteer opportunities with SPR and our community partners, please check this calendar.
Some fun photos from the Saturday, March 27, 2021 volunteer work parties supporting the Clean City Initiative:
Jefferson Park
After handing out protective personal equipment (PPE) for ten volunteers, SPR staff explained the scope of the work. The nice weather enabled coverage of a large section of the park, and volunteers (consisting of a family and individuals) did an excellent job collecting about 300 pounds of litter. A very productive day!
Golden Gardens
Twelve volunteers met with Parks staff, and after receiving PPE and a safety briefing, went to work scanning the park and filling trash bags. Seattle City Council Member Dan Strauss also came to help.
Alki Beach Park
Six volunteers met with Parks staff, and after receiving PPE and equipment fanned out to cover the waterfront park. They removed 6 bags of garbage and 5 needles from the beach.
Magnuson Park
Nine volunteers came to help bag litter at Magnuson, along with several SPR staff members. PPE, a safety talk, and then everyone was off with buckets, sticks and vests. After covering the Flyway and the beach a large bag’s worth of trash was removed. Volunteers expressed interest in returning to assist in the future.