Volunteers Dedicate Their Weekend to Park Clean-Up Effort

On Saturday morning, volunteers gathered for a long-awaited clean-up around Montgomery Dam on the Fox River and Waubonsie Lake Park in Aurora. The Fox Valley Park District organized the event, initially planned for April 25 in celebration of Earth Day. However, due to heavy rains and high water levels in the Fox River, they postponed it to May 16.

Ivan Chambers, the community outreach coordinator for the Fox Valley Park District, explained the decision to delay the event. “The elevated levels on the Fox River posed safety concerns. Postponing was the most responsible decision,” he said.

This annual event has been held for several years, with efforts focusing on both Montgomery Dam and Waubonsie Lake Park in recent times. “We’ve been maintaining Montgomery for about a decade and recently added Waubonsie,” Chambers noted. “Typically, around 30 volunteers help at each site.”

Chambers emphasized the importance of cleaning these areas, as “the waterways tend to accumulate trash and debris along the shoreline.” He added, “Volunteering in these events not only improves public spaces visually but also strengthens community bonds and creates civic pride. It’s about protecting the environment and providing opportunities for volunteerism.”

Ivan Chambers, community outreach coordinator for the Fox Valley Park District, addresses volunteers at Waubonsie Lake Park before the clean-up event.

Donna Smith from Aurora, who volunteered at Waubonsie Lake, stressed the necessity of the clean-up. “Waubonsie Lake is generally clean, yet we still find candy wrappers and bottles along the shore,” she said.

Another volunteer, Theresa Solan from Aurora, remarked on the community impact, saying, “Participation keeps everything beautiful and enjoyable for everyone.”

Angie Ng, a resident of Oswego and a first-time participant, recently relocated from Wisconsin. She shared, “I love the biking trails here and want to keep the park beautiful. Participating gives me a sense of satisfaction.”

This event highlights the community’s dedication to maintaining local natural resources. Such efforts showcase pride in local spaces and motivate volunteers to preserve them for everyone’s enjoyment.