Volunteers are being asked to show up and work for a few hours at the city parks this summer.
"We're reaching out to the public," said Mayor Gabriel J. Campana Monday after the volunteer work sessions were announced by city Recreation Director Justin Simpson to solicit public help to clean up the five city parks - Memorial, Shaw Place, Brandon, Lose and Young's Woods - in May and June.
"I came up with the idea," Simpson said. "I want to bring everyone together to be at the parks and be outdoors."
Trash bags, gloves, rakes and shovels will be provided, he said, but volunteers should bring their own water.
When asked if the city Streets and Parks Department role has been lessened, Campana said, "No, they will have no trouble finding enough projects to keep them busy.
"Our streets and parks union has been contacted," Campana said of any potential conflict of interest with employees, who are paid through tax dollars, and possible volunteers cleaning up the parks.
"We're also reaching out to people who want to help but at the same time not stepping on union's toes and not have any grievances filed," Campana said.
"These are one-day events for the general public to give back to the city," he said. "It creates a sense of community and we've had church organizations do this before with us."
Campana said he is working again with the Youth Ambassador's Group at Williamsport Area High School, which may be interested in helping paint the inside of the bath house at the East End Pool at Shaw Place Park on Sherman Street.
Parks on the list and hours and days for cleanup are: Memorial Park, 2 p.m. Sunday; Shaw Place Park, 2 p.m. May 20; Brandon Park, 2 p.m. June 3; Lose Park, 2 p.m. June 10 and Young's Woods Park, 2 p.m. June 17.
The summer recreation programs are getting started with the opening of East End and Brandon Park pools at noon May 26.
Before that, a summer city recreation guide will be published by about May 14.
