In a dedicated push to keep Greater Parkcrest looking its best, neighbors have taken on both litter cleanup and beautification projects through the Neat Neighborhoods initiative. From picking up trash to planting fresh flowers, these volunteers are setting a strong example for everyone in the community.
One neighbor making a difference is Joe Stokes, a familiar face around the community. Over the past few months, Joe has covered stretches of Kansas Avenue from Walnut Lawn to Republic Road, picking up everything from fast food cups to car parts—and even pitching in with graffiti removal. Rain or shine, Joe’s commitment has left a cleaner, more inviting path for everyone who passes through.
Joe isn’t alone in these efforts. Bill Butts has taken to neighborhood walks, covering up to two miles at a time and keeping an eye out for litter along streets like Broadway, Riverside, and Fairview.
Meanwhile, I have focused on Walnut Lawn, scouring for those infamous mini liquor bottles that litter the area. With over 100 bottles collected in recent months, we can really see the impact of careless littering. Together, we’ve been making a noticeable difference, one street at a time.
Beautification has also been at the heart of Neat Neighborhoods. Carol McCarthy and her “worker bees” – Debbie Butts, Evelyn Hutsell, Carol Hutcheson, Judy Wyrick, and Dave McCarthy – added mums and seasonal plants to key spots around Greater Parkcrest, including the Shyanne Estates entrance and the columns at Broadway and Walnut Lawn. These small, colorful touches remind us all how a little care can have a lasting, uplifting effect.
The Neat Neighborhoods effort has truly inspired lasting change here.
Even after Neat Neighborhoods has concluded, I’m still seeing an ongoing effort to keep things clean. Our recent challenge has been tackling illegal advertisement signs on utility poles and right-of-ways, but neighbors have come together to educate and clear up these eyesores too. The project’s impact continues to resonate, fostering pride and shared responsibility for a cleaner, more welcoming neighborhood.
These projects are just some of the ways Greater Parkcrest residents are contributing to the area’s upkeep and charm. With more volunteers stepping up, Greater Parkcrest aims to expand these efforts, from stormwater education projects to even more beautification work led by the worker bees. A cleaner, greener Greater Parkcrest is within reach, thanks to the neighbors who lead by example.