HIGHLAND — On a recent sunny Saturday morning, more than 100 youngsters could be found in various Highland parks. But they weren’t enjoying playground equipment or throwing baseballs — they were taking part in the annual Spring Parks Cleanup event.
“Our seasonal employees don’t come on board until May, and there are many things that need to be done before that time,” said parks superintendent Alex Brown. “This (event) gives us a head start to our spring cleaning.”
Each year, about one-third of Highland’s 21 parks are chosen to receive attention for various jobs, such as general cleaning, raking and spreading playground mulch. The number of volunteers averages 80 to 100 per year.
The yearly ritual of sprucing up park areas throughout the town has been a staple on the Highland Parks Department spring schedule for more than 12 years. Brown was instrumental in bringing the program to fruition — he had seen it in action while formerly employed at another parks department.
Since quite a bit of preparation goes into the town’s efforts to organize the special day, it goes on “rain or shine,” according to the superintendent.
Among this year’s volunteers were Scout troops, churches and other organizations, home-schooled groups and individuals.
The largest group of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts were stationed at Main Square Park.
Highland Girl Scout Troop 10099 co-leader Penny Gilmore has volunteered with her girls for 12 years, and continues to make repeat visits to the cleanup.
“This is the second generation of girls I’ve brought to this event,” she said. “I remember bringing my daughters, who are grown now, with their troop for the cleaning. They’re now in college and live out of town but still talk about the fun they had.”
During a rest period, the youngsters were heard talking among themselves.
“Raking the mulch was the hardest,” Scout Chelsea Parsley, 8, said. “The rakes were really heavy. But I felt good about doing it. It looked real nice when we were done.”
Scout Madelin Jania, 9, also discussed the positives and negatives of the morning.
“The hardest part was getting those leaves out of the bushes and the fountain,” she said. “But I felt proud doing it cause this is my park.”
Parent Peter Adam brought his son Luke, 7, to participate.
“Since Luke was coming out, I thought it would be a good experience for his brother Logan also,” Adam said. “The boys are enjoying themselves and this gives them a feeling of accomplishment.”
Andrea Brown, parent volunteer for Highland Cub Scout Pack 297, said her boys were anxious to get started as soon as they arrived at Main Square Park.
“They wanted to play at first, but I told them they had to get their work done,” she said. “They did gain quite a few benefits while doing this work — patience, teamwork and a feeling of pride with how their park looks.”
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Members of the Highland Home Schoolers group were among those donating their time.
Mom Carrie Orona said the youngsters from her organization acquired more than just a good feeling about the freshly cleaned park.
“They learned teamwork — to work with others outside of their group for a common goal,” Orona said.
In addition to the regular chores, Highland Cub Scout Pack 297 replaced the two worn flags at the entrance to Main Square Park. The boys took the procedure seriously, as leader Richard Langel explained specifics as the old tattered flags were lowered, taken off the poles and folded correctly for disposal.
The scouts also attached the new flags and sent them up the pole for proper replacement — all the while showing their respect by saluting the flags.
After all chores were completed, the many large black garbage bags were piled up for pickup, and the rakes and other equipment neatly stacked for the parks department.
As the youngsters headed for the playground, representatives from the Town of Highland fired up the barbecue grill. Lunch was in process, compliments of the Town of Highland. Highland Board member Mark Herak and his assistants kept the burgers coming until the volunteers were all fed.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter.