Hit the beach or a city park this summer and help clean it up — that's the request from the city and Timucuan Parks Foundation.
City officials have targeted five sites between late June and early August to help conduct park beautification.
The projects are a chance for the community to help with park beautification and for students to earn community service hours, the foundation said.
The community cleanup events will take place on the following dates and locations:
- June 29 — 9 a.m. to noon at Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, 7000 Roosevelt Blvd. Volunteers will help with historic road and trail maintenance, invasive plant removal and litter pickup.
- July 3 — 9 a.m. to noon at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Drive. Volunteers should let the gate attendant know they are there for the park and shoreline cleanup project.
- July 5 — 8 to 11 a.m. at Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Road S. Volunteers will participate in a monthly pollinator garden maintenance and park cleanup.
- July 18 — 9 a.m. to noon at Bulls Bay Preserve, 8017 Old Plank Road. Volunteers will help with trail maintenance and litter pickup.
- Aug. 2 — 8 to 11 a.m. at Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Road S. for monthly pollinator garden maintenance and park cleanup.
The Timucuan Parks Foundation, formed in 1999, is a nonprofit organization that preserves, promotes and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education and enjoyment.
Cleanup volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and clothing that can get dirty, city officials said. Work gloves are recommended, along with sunscreen, insect repellent and a full reusable water bottle. The foundation will provide additional water, snacks, work equipment and insect repellent.
Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent, guardian or scout leader during the project. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian's signature on the liability waiver before starting work.
The waiver and a form to join the foundation's volunteer list can be accessed at timucuanparks.org/volunteer.
