If the spring-cleaning bug has bitten you, consider participating in or lending a hand at an upcoming neighborhood cleanup.
If you’re not sure what neighborhood you’re in, see the maps in the lower right-hand corner of on each neighborhood’s page, or use the City’s map at maps.springfieldmo.gov/publicviewer/. Note: this map will not display on mobile devices; you must be on a desktop computer.
The City of Springfield contracts with Community Partnership of the Ozarks to coordinate free cleanups in registered neighborhoods. This year, the costs for the annual program, which includes fall cleanups and spring cleanups, is projected to be about $35,000, with $20,000 going toward the spring cleanups.
“Clean-ups are a great example of collaboration in action. They are only possible because of the support and commitment of numerous organizations and volunteers from across our community,” says CPO Neighborhood and Housing Stabilization Specialist Amanda Stadler, who coordinates the cleanups each year.
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“It’s really rewarding to see not only the behind the scenes work that goes into planning each event, but also neighborhoods that are more clean, safe, and friendly after a cleanup.”
– Amanda Stadler, CPO [/pullquote]
The neighborhood cleanup program is part of the City’s Great Neighborhoods initiative and is eligible for points in the Great Neighborhoods recognition program, which awards yearly grants to registered neighborhood organizations to fund neighborhood improvements. For more information about the program, visit springfieldmo.gov/greatneighborhoods.
Each year, neighborhood cleanups serve approximately 900 households and remove more than 175 tons of bulk waste (furniture, mattresses, appliances and other large items), scrap metal and brush from Springfield neighborhoods. Items that cannot be accepted at the cleanups include tires, TVs, computer monitors, hazardous waste (paint, oil, varnish or fluorescent bulbs) or any other item that poses a threat to the public.
Volunteers are needed to transport and unload large items at the Dumpster sites.
If you are a resident of a registered neighborhood and need assistance participating in the cleanup, please contact your neighborhood association president.
Heart of the Westside Neighborhood’s cleanup March 4 resulted in the disposal of several tons of trash, scrap metal and yardwaste.
“Our cleanup went well. We had help from Passion Assembly Church and Hands On for Seniors. We completed about 18 cleanup projects, and we had over 30 pickups,” Heart of the Westside President Tammy Haynes said. “The properties that had been turned into the City for trash accumulation were our first priority, and we will continue to work with those families.”
Elevate
The Elevate program assisted Heart of the Westside with its spring cleanup and performed additional neighborhood improvement projects March 4. The program has committed to doing the same for Weller, Tom Watkins and Grant Beach at their upcoming cleanups in April, May and June.
Volunteers from local churches will work alongside neighbors to clear brush, haul trash and debris, mow lawns, perform minor repairs, paint and work in neighborhood community gardens.
Volunteers from Hands on for Seniors was also on-site to assist Heart of the Westside neighbors with exterior home maintenance tasks.
Rock the Block
Habitat for Humanity will again “Rock the Block” in Woodland Heights during its April 8 cleanup with 200 volunteers from various churches.
Last fall, Thrivent Financial and more than 100 volunteers from CoxHealth repaired and spruced up three homes and completed more than 17 projects in a one-day blitz to revitalize the neighborhood.
“Cleaning one street in one day improves the appearance of a specific area while building community. Residents on Jefferson Avenue were encouraged to get involved to help their own neighborhood. This is neighborhood revitalization in action,” said Habitat’s Melissa Adler. “There was a clear sense of community as volunteers worked alongside residents. For those residents who weren’t able to pitch in, providing water bottles or a simple ‘thank you’ was enough. Homeowners and renters on Jefferson Avenue got the message that people in Springfield want this neighborhood in Zone 1 to be a safe and vibrant place to live. Progress will come one day at a time and one block at a time,” she added.
Why are neighborhood cleanups important?
Neighborhood cleanup events can benefit communities in many ways. The most obvious benefit is the ability to beautify your neighborhood by removing large quantities of garbage, brush, and more from the area. A secondary benefit is the ability to unite people in your neighborhood under a common purpose – an effort that provides you with the opportunity to have a positive impact on your neighborhood.
Public health
A clean neighborhood is a healthy neighborhood. We all know the hazards that outdoor clutter can create by attracting rodents, mosquitoes, feral cats and other pests. These health problems are easily prevented by keeping your neighborhood clean.
Quality of life
Studies show that our surroundings have a profound impact on our well-being. A clean neighborhood, free of trash will contribute to an enhanced quality of life for residents. This can, in turn, have a positive impact on image, property values, and other social and economic aspects of your neighborhood.
Neighborhood pride
Creating pride is something so basic, yet so important. Neighborhoods can easily fall into disrepair and despair; however, when people care, we are able to maintain and improve the place that we call home.
Bringing people together.
A neighborhood cleanup event brings residents together to achieve a common goal. The simple act of participation is the very foundation that strong neighborhoods are built on. Through your neighborhood cleanup, community relationships and connections will be formed that will lead to success in future endeavors and help your neighborhood to prosper.