Community Comes Together for 7th Annual Earth Day Cleanup in Excelsior Springs

*A group of approximately 40 volunteers gathered for the 7th annual Earth Day Cleanup (photo S Jason Cole).*

Volunteers in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, gathered on a chilly Saturday morning to participate in the 7th annual Earth Day cleanup led by the Parks and Rec Department. The cleanup event focused on the downtown areas of Excelsior Springs, Linear Trail Park, and Fishing River. Around 40 volunteers participated in the event, showing their commitment to keeping their community clean and beautiful.

Volunteers braved the chilly weather to lend a helping hand. City workers blocked off portions of road to help keep everyone safe. Tom and Melissa Morrow recently moved to Excelsior Springs and said they felt like this event would be a good way to connect with the community (photos S Jason Cole).

Volunteers were provided with trash bags and work gloves, as they signed in and got ready to head out. The volunteers were rewarded with free t-shirts, provided by Parks and Rec, and lunch thanks to the generosity of the Excelsior Springs Job Corps and Rotary Club. All volunteers were also signed up for a raffle of gift certificates provided by Pairings by Van Till.

*Parks and Rec. and Community Center Director, Nate Williams met with the volunteers to go over safety and protocols (photo S Jason Cole).*

The Parks and Rec Department of Excelsior Springs has been organizing the Earth Day cleanup event for seven years now, and it has become an important annual tradition in the community. The event not only helps to keep the town clean but also fosters a sense of community spirit and environmental stewardship.

“We’re grateful to everyone who came out to help us today,” said Nate Williams Director of Parks and Rec and Community Center. “It’s really inspiring to see the community come together like this to make a difference. We couldn’t do this without them.”

Families, friends, and neighbors were laughing and smiling despite the chilly temps. In addition to picking up trash, some volunteers worked in flower beds planting and tidying up. Sean McNabb brought a group of co-workers and students from Job Corps to help clean up (photos S Jason Cole).

The volunteers worked tirelessly to pick up litter, clear debris, and make sure the environment in and around the town was looking its best. Families and friends, old and new, laughed and talked as they worked their way through the downtown. Their efforts were a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Excelsior Springs community toward keeping their community clean and beautiful.

The event was a great success, and the Parks and Rec Department hopes to continue organizing it for years to come. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Excelsior Springs will continue to thrive and remain a beautiful place to live, work, and visit.

Be sure to check the Excelsior Citizen Events Calendar for a full rundown of local events!