Action Center
Tuesday June 10, 2008
Volunteers Spruce Up Local Parks
On Saturday, volunteer residents and local leaders spent the morning participating in the West Paterson Park Cleanup Day, sponsored by the local recreation department.
It was the first citizen volunteer park cleanup campaign in a number of years. By forming a core group, the town hopes the event will become a recurring.
At 9 a.m., about a dozen adults and children gathered at town hall for the schedule. Councilman Keith Kazmark outlined the principal focus was on Grimes, Rose Place, and Zaccaria Parks.
Councilman Joseph Spinelli thought the event was great.
“The more support we get, the better it is. You can never do enough to keep our open space clean and livable for everybody.”
Spinelli said the cleanup day is much needed.
“People don’t respect the environment. They litter all over the place. That’s not fair.”
At Grimes Park, gloves and garbage bags were doled out and volunteers got to work.
Among those volunteering was Tom Minnella, Mayor Pat Lepore’s secretary, who had no shortage of work.
“I’m picking up cigarette butts. There seem to be plenty of them.”
Also scouring was Tina Davis of West Paterson, who said she felt obligated to join in.
“I officially put myself on cigarette butt patrol. Since I’m a smoker, I think it’s my obligation to come out here, and pick up the butts for those who are less considerate.”
Also working was Dora Davenport of West Paterson.
“I’m just out here to help the community and beautify West Paterson. I’m very involved with recreation, so cleaning the parks, or any kind of recreation facility, is important to me.”
Scott Fitzgerald of West Paterson, who is president of the local soccer association, was also doing his part.
“I’m concerned about the conditions of the parks for the children of the borough. What’s a few hours of your time?”
Kazmark said he thought that sultry temperatures did discourage people from turning out, but that “we got our troopers here.”
The group wrapped up Grimes Park and headed to Rose Place Park. Due to time constraints, the group as a whole did not make it to Zaccaria Park but Kazmark said that some volunteers did make it there to gather waste.
Another park cleanup day is planned for the beginning of fall. Kazmark said he’d like to see the effort done regularly, adding that citizen involvement can make a difference.
“Once a month can be ideal. The DPW does an awesome job but they can’t be on top of it 24/7,” he said. “There’s always something that blows in the wind, or someone drops a coffee cup after a game.”
Reprinted with permission. (c)2008 Passaic Valley Today (Passaic Co., NJ) Tom Boud
Back