Community members, downtown business and building owner and members of the Main Street Board of Directors set out to sweep glass and pick up loose trash in the first Claremore Main Street Alley Clean Up Day on Sunday.
“It was wonderful to see everyone come together for a common mission,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Executive Director. “We got out there and worked together as a team – people from all different ages with different relationships to the district. It was neat to witness.”
Among the crew were four children, who picked up trash and shoveled glass like the rest of the volunteers, showcasing that every bit helps and that community involvement can begin early.
The idea for the Alley Clean Up Day began in a Board of Directors meeting a few months ago, around the time the City of Claremore was participating in its citywide clean up day. While the timing did not work out to hold the events in conjunction, the idea was postponed to the fall.
Jill Ferenc, City Planner and Main Street Board member, headed up the project. Supplies, including gloves and trash bags, were donated by the City. The City also plans to remove an old business sign behind The Willow Tree later this week as part of the initiative.
“Our downtown is the heart of the city, and alleys are an integral part of that urban fabric,” Ferenc said. “This event promotes the enhancement and utilization of alleys for connectivity and more active public uses in the future.”
Jackson said she hopes to make the Alley Clean Up Day a semi-annual event, including getting volunteers to help building owners with their projects.
“Main Street would like to sincerely thank everyone who came out to help us clean the alleys,” she said. “They look great, and I appreciate the community’s support.”
