Home / Events / Community cleanup event at the Safety Harbor Waterfront Park Saturday, July 22, at 9:00 a.m.

Community cleanup event at the Safety Harbor Waterfront Park Saturday, July 22, at 9:00 a.m.

On July 18, 2017

A group of volunteers will host the second Team Up To Clean Up community cleanup event of the summer on Saturday, July at 9:00 a.m. at the boardwalk section of the Safety Harbor Waterfront Park. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The group, which is comprised of residents, business owners, city officials and nonprofit members, held its first cleanup in late June along the railroad tracks on Ninth Avenue North.

Susan Zinkel (r) talks to local artist Heather Richardson during the Team Up to Clean Up community cleanup event in June 2017. (Credit: Team Up To Clean Up)

The event drew roughly 40 people, who filled a pickup truck bed “to the brim” with garbage, according to organizer Susan Zinkel.

“During the last clean-up an entire truck bed was stacked high with trash,” Zinkel told Safety Harbor Connect via email.

“Commissioners Scott Long and Cliff Merz participated, and were able to meet residents who lived along the railroad tracks who had concerns there was no railroad crossing lights, etc. on the road that entered into their community. Commissioner Long spoke to (City Manager) Matt Spoor and I believe CSX has upcoming plans to correct this situation. Another win for the community!”

The second of what is planned to be a monthly Team Up To Clean Up event will tackle trickier terrain—the low-lying area around the recently completed boardwalk section of the Waterfront Park.

The area was the site of a massive community planting event before it was open to the public.

While the consensus is the city did a fantastic job with the scenic, 2,500-linear-foot trail that snakes along the shoreline at the northeast corner of the park, there have been complaints about debris being snared in the mangroves and trees that surround the paths, which is not only aesthetically unpleasant but harmful to the environment, also.

A community cleanup event will be held on Saturday, July 22 at the boardwalk section of Safety Harbor’s Waterfront Park.

“Saturday’s clean-up is especially important with ensuring the area is clean for wildlife,” Zinkel said, adding they will be removing trash in and around the water as well as removing fishing line caught in the mangroves.

“It is a great event for Safety Harbor residents to come together as a community to make our city look great.”

While Zinkel has served as the point person for this endeavor, she is quick to point out the cleanups are community collaborations.

“It is a great event for Safety Harbor residents to come together as a community to make our city look great,” she said, noting event sponsors include the City with providing bags and dumpsters as well as Smart Growth Safety Harbor, Safety Harbor Inspired Planners (SHIP) and Paint Your Heart Out Safety Harbor.

“It is really special seeing the residents and business owners work together to make our community top notch. We are truly a community of caring people.”

If you go:

What: Team Up To Clean Up community cleanup event
When: Saturday, July 22, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Safety Harbor Waterfront Park boardwalk, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln. (behind Safety Harbor Spa)
Details: The second Team Up To Clean Up community cleanup event of the summer will tackle the tough terrain around the boardwalk section of Safety Harbor’s waterfront Park. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the event, but are cautioned to dress accordingly (old clothes, comfortable shoes, sunblock and bug spray).
Info: Team Up To Clean Up/Facebook

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