SIDNEY - A growing corps of volunteers is helping restore and beautify Keith Clark Park, where a second community cleanup day is planned for June 13 following a strong turnout this spring.
Residents armed with shovels, pruners and gardening tools will gather at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at the park pavilion to continue clearing overgrown areas, pruning vegetation, spreading mulch and revitalizing long-neglected garden beds.
The effort follows an April cleanup that drew roughly two dozen volunteers.
Ruth Carr, who is coordinating the project, said volunteers may join at any time during the morning.
The group’s unofficial motto - “Even an hour helps” - reflects the flexible nature of the event and organizers’ hope that community enthusiasm continues to grow.
The cleanup is part of a broader effort to enhance one of Sidney’s most heavily used public spaces.
Among the recent improvements, volunteers from Sidney Federal Credit Union have restored a flower garden along the park’s walking trail. The planting, filled with colorful annuals, marks the return of a garden that was largely destroyed during the devastating floods of 2010.
Farther along the trail, volunteers Barry and Marie Cole have been tending the Ed Roelle Rose Garden, named for the late community leader whose vision helped bring the walking trail to life.
A longtime member of the local Rotary Club and an avid rose grower, played a key role in planning the trail, which today is used daily by walkers, runners and families.
The park has also seen an investment in its tree canopy. The Sidney Shade Tree Commission recently ordered 17 new trees, which have been planted by the Department of Public Works. The additions are expected to provide shade, visual interest and environmental benefits for years to come.
Organizers say all community members are welcome to participate in the June 13 cleanup effort. Additional information is available by calling 607-604-4445.
