FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Springfield and Community Partnership of the Ozarks has again contracted with Republic Services to offer free neighborhood clean-ups for
registered Springfield neighborhoods this fall and the spring of 2018.
The twice-yearly cleanups give residents the opportunity to dispose of bulky items such as mattresses, furniture, and appliances as well as yard waste, free of cost. They also offer a reason for neighbors to interact and get to know each other.
“Clean-ups are a great example of collaboration in action. They are only possible because of the support and commitment of numerous organizations and volunteers from across our community,” says CPO Neighborhood and Housing Stabilization Specialist Amanda Stadler, who coordinates the cleanups each year.
Five cleanups have already been completed in Grant Beach, Heart of the Westside, Rountree/Delaware, Tom Watkins and Greater Parkcrest.
Bissett’s, West Central’s and Oak Grove’s cleanups are coming up Oct. 21, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18.
Bissett’s fall cleanup is curbside only – meaning there will not be a centrally located dumpster as in years past. Instead, Republic Services will pick up furniture and other large items at the curb 8 a.m.-noon. No brush, leaves or appliances will be accepted. Residents are asked to have their items curbside by 7 a.m.
West Central’s dumpster will be located at Campbell Elementary, 506 S. Grant from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Nov. 4. Oak Grove’s dumpster will be at East Grand Church of Christ, 2220 E. Grant from 8 a.m. until noon Nov. 18.
Stadler said each year, neighborhood cleanups serve approximately 900 households and remove more than 175 tons of bulk waste (furniture, mattresses, appliances and other large items), scrap metal and brush from Springfield neighborhoods.
Greater Parkcrest neighborhood resident George Freeman posted to Greater Parkcrest Area Neighborhood Association’s Facebook group thanking the association and volunteers for the Oct. 14 cleanup.
“Just wanted to say thanks to all the well-organized volunteers led by our persistent president, Carol McCarthy, who turned out Saturday for the Greater Parkcrest Area Neighborhood Association cleanup. It's amazing what a few dedicated people have done with this group and some guidance from Amanda Stadler, liaison with the Community Partnership, who guides at least 17 neighbor associations in Springfield,” Freeman posted.
Greater Parkcrest President Carol McCarthy and several other residents of the neighborhood chimed in with their thanks.
The neighborhood cleanup program is part of the City’s Great Neighborhoods initiative and is eligible for points in the Great Neighborhoods recognition program, which awards yearly grants to registered neighborhood organizations to fund neighborhood improvements, such as parks enhancements and community gardens.
For more information about the program, visit springfieldmo.gov/
greatneighborhoods.
Why are neighborhood cleanups important?
Neighborhood cleanup events can benefit communities in many ways. The most obvious benefit is the ability to beautify your neighborhood by removing large quantities of garbage, brush, and more from the area. A secondary benefit is the ability to unite people in your neighborhood under a common purpose – an effort that provides you with the opportunity to have a positive impact on your
neighborhood.
Public health. A clean neighborhood is a healthy neighborhood. We all know the hazards that outdoor clutter can create by attracting rodents, mosquitoes, feral cats and other pests. These health problems are easily prevented by keeping your neighborhood clean.
Quality of life. Studies show that our surroundings have a profound impact on our well-being. A clean neighborhood, free of trash will contribute to an enhanced quality of life for residents. This can, in turn, have a positive impact on image, property values, and other social and economic aspects of your neighborhood.
Neighborhood pride. Creating pride is something so basic, yet so important. Neighborhoods can easily fall into disrepair and despair; however, when people care, we are able to maintain and improve the place that we call home.
Bringing people together. A neighborhood cleanup event brings residents together to achieve a common goal. The simple act of participation is the very foundation that strong neighborhoods are built on. Through your neighborhood cleanup, community relationships and connections will be formed that will lead to success in future endeavors and help your neighborhood to prosper.
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For more information, please contact Director of Public Information and Civic Engagement Cora Scott at at 417-864-1009 or 417-380-3352.