The Third Annual Mayor’s Day of Service, held September 16, brought 400 eager community volunteers to Bar CCC Park and Cherry Creek Trail. Workers spread out for a two mile stretch of the trail for fire mitigation and cleanup. Combustible debris of trees, logs, and twigs was gathered from the open space on either side of the trail and stacked in large piles every few feet. While cleanup along the trail and other nearby areas was also part of the morning’s efforts, many volunteers commented on how much they enjoyed the physical aspect of moving logs and trees. “It’s fun! Seeing the difference we are making by the size of wood piles makes it worth the hard work!” The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department will remove the debris to complete the project. Jared Musil, Director of Parks, Forestry, and Open Space, said, “We can’t thank Shaun Gann, Alexa Nugent, and the JustServe volunteers, enough, for their annual dedication and assistance with open space cleanup. This year’s focus for the event was put on fire mitigation, something that despite record rainfall, remans a high priority for the Town of Parker. On behalf of the Town of Parker and the Parks and Recreation Department, we thank you all for your help.”
Parker Mayor, Jeff Toborg, welcomed the volunteers with words of gratitude and encouragement. He stressed the importance of service to better the town, and urged volunteers to support our local fire and police departments who serve every day. His commitment to community was evident as walked the trail and individually thanked volunteers of every age. Laura Hefta, Town Council member, also attended and brought her boys noting the importance of teaching them about service at a young age.
Mayor’s Day of Service was started three years ago by the Mayor and JustServe.org as a way for Town of Parker residents to beautify and strengthen the town through service and friendship. The event coincides with the National 9/11 days of Service and Remembrance. Each year a large scale project is selected based on town needs. JustServe organizer Shaun Gann noted, “Mayor’s Day is such a great opportunity to help the town in a way that will protect and beautify our community. It provides a wonderful way to build relationships and make new friends. There are so many groups, clubs, schools, families, and individuals that participate. I am overwhelmed at what we accomplished for the town today, but Mayor’s Day of Service is about so much more than a big community project. It’s about the people who come to serve.”
To look for more ways to serve in your community, visit JustServe.org.