The Beautification Committee of West Hartford’s Park Road Association is holding its bi-annual neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, April 23, beginning at 9 a.m.

By Ronni Newton

The annual spring Earth Day clean-up walk will take place in West Hartford’s Park Road neighborhood on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. until noon, and volunteers are needed for this community project.

“Based on the success of the last year’s Earth Day Community Clean-Up, I am happy to partner with the Park Road Association to bring it back this year,” said state Rep. Kate Farrar (D-20th) whose district includes the neighborhood. “This is an opportunity for us to not only beautify our community, but recommit to create a greener neighborhood, state, and planet. I hope this clean-up makes us think critically about our consumption choices and the waste we generate. I am pleased to partner with neighborhood leaders on this initiative.”

Residents as well as businesses are encouraged to participate. Rubber gloves and trash bags will be provided, and participants will be split up to cover six walking routes during the clean-up event. Those who have bright green “Park Road Beautification Club” shirts are encouraged to wear them.

“The Bi-Annual Park Road Neighborhood Community Clean-Up Days have become a bit of a tradition in the neighborhood,” said Park Road Association Co-President Tracy Flater, the executive director of Playhouse on Park. “We are grateful to the many community members, civic groups and business leaders who support this initiative of helping to beautify our neighborhood.”

Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. on the patio at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. In case of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, April 30.

While the Park Road Association’s Beautification Club typically holds clean-up days twice a year – to coincide with Earth Day and in advance of the Park Road Parade held in October –  but residents and business owners are encouraged to clean up their own storefronts, stoops, and sidewalks, even if they are unable to participate in the neighborhood clean-up event.

The Park Road Association strives to improve the quality of life for the Park Road neighborhood by maintaining the aesthetics and safety of the community, bringing people together through events, and improving business promotion on Park Road and the surrounding streets. For more information about the Association or to join the mailing list visit www.ParkRoadCT.com. The Community Clean Up walking maps can be found here.

Additional local Earth Day activities and events through EarthDay.org.

On Sunday, April 24, a variety of Earth Day exhibits and activities will take place at 100 Mayflower Street in West Hartford (former St. Brigid School property), from noon-4 p.m.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will also be sponsoring several Earth Week events and initiatives, including a Virtual Job Shadow Event on Earth Day, April 22. For more information about this event and others, visit www.Facebook.com/CTDEEP.

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