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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Volunteers needed for park Clean-Up Day in Berlin, Sat.

(April 9, 2015) In anticipation of warmer weather and a busy summer events lineup, Berlin is asking residents to help spruce up local parks as part of Clean-Up Day on April 11.
The annual event has been a staple of the town for more than a decade.
“Clean-Up Day is traditionally mostly just weeding, trimming bushes and trees, raking the pathways, that kind of thing,” Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “It takes a little bit of the burden off the public works department and gets to the more down-to-the-ground things that they don’t always get to.”
The town is asking volunteers to perform general cleanup at John Howard Burbage Park on William Street, general maintenance, weeding and trimming of the playground areas, trees and flowerbeds and entrance to William Henry Park on Flower Street, raking, weeding and trash pickup at Stephen Decatur Park on Tripoli Street and cleanup at the Hudson Branch.
Volunteers can sign up for specific activities, or simply commit to general cleanup.  
New this year, volunteers will also construct a horseshoe pit in Henry Park.
“That’s something the community has been asking for and we’re very pleased to be able to do it,” Bohlen said.
Trash bags and some tools will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring additional utensils. Rakes and wheelbarrows, in particular, are often in short supply.
Bohlen said the event fits well into the active spirit of volunteerism in Berlin and helps to build a stronger sense of community.
“We’ve always had a really good turnout and we’re able to get pretty much everything done that we’re looking to do,” Bohlen said. “It’s always enthusiastic people who show up ready and looking to work. The sense that I often get from people is that they and their children or grandchildren enjoy the parks all year long, so they kind of feel this is a small way they can give back to the community.”
Sign up in person at Stephen Decatur or Henry Park at 8:30 a.m., or online ahead of time by visiting www.berlinmd.gov/clean-up-berlin-day or searching “Take Pride in Berlin Week” on Facebook.
Clean-Up Day runs from 9 a.m. to noon.