The Bristol Press – Community volunteers cleaned up Page Park in Bristol as part of ‘World Cleanup Day’

, 2022-09-19 11:27:57,

BRISTOL – A group of community volunteers took it upon themselves to help to clean up Page Park this past Saturday as part of a “World Cleanup Day” effort.

Bill LaMonte, who was among the group of volunteers, said they ranged from ages 5 to 60. Together, they helped to remove 50 pounds of trash from the trails, parking lots and the disc golf course at Page Park.

“Although the park grounds keepers work diligently to maintain the park, it is clear that the heavy foot traffic still leaves a carbon footprint throughout the year,” he said. “Unfortunately, the most common items found during the cleanup were cigarette butts, alcohol bottles, plastic bags and plastic bottles. There was also a great deal of shattered glass throughout the trails that was difficult to remove. It is clear that our community still faces a waste management and littering issue.”

LaMonte said although the state of Connecticut is a leader when it comes to environmental initiatives, littering remains a problem.

“Even with its strict anti-litter law, instituted in 1992, many of our streets and local parks are still prone to litter of all types, making World Cleanup Day especially important to both raise awareness on this issue and to also take action,” he said.

LaMonte encouraged visitors to Page Park to follow the city’s “take in and take out” policy and to use designated trash bins to discard their trash.

“The park relies on the good nature of its visitors,” he said. “Although World Cleanup Day is an annual event, neighborhoods can always work together to improve their environments through neighborhood cleanups and education campaigns.”

Erica Benoit, community engagement coordinator with the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department, said she is appreciative for the proactive efforts of the volunteers.

“This is a great group of individuals who took it upon themselves to help clean up one of our local parks,” she said. “We’d love to help keep the momentum going.”

Benoit said the city will also be organizing a community cleanup in October. More information will be announced soon.

World Cleanup Day is a global initiative with the goal of raising awareness regarding the global waste management crisis – including littering, plastic pollution and toxins in the soil, water in air. LaMonte said the initiative, which began in 2018, includes approximately 25 million people in 180 countries worldwide.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or…

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