Official Press Release for Park Renewal Day

Park Renewal Day Makes Lasting Impact On County Park

More than 140 enthusiastic volunteers showed up on a cool Saturday morning to clear 12 truck loads of invasive plants and trash from Dearborn Park in Decatur. By the end of the inaugural Park Renewal Day, a joint effort of the DeKalb County Parks Department, Decatur-based Renewal Construction, and City of Decatur’s Active Living Division, more than an acre of English ivy and Chinese privet were cleared from the park.

The effort was part of an ongoing plan to restore native plant species in the park and provide trails for residents. S.T.R.I.P. (Strategically Tracking and Removing Invasive Plants) is an initiative of the Parks Department and many volunteers participated in a 2-hour training class prior to the event.

“I’ve directed a lot a community cleanups and workdays in our parks, and this was one of the best,” says Dave Butler, DeKalb County Greenspace Manager. “This event has shown to be a great example of how government, business, and the community can collaborate to improve a park for city and county residents. I want to thank Renewal Construction for their generosity and commitment to the community.”

Community celebrities including Georgia State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, County Commissioner Jeff Rader, Gary Peiffer from the Extension Service, and former NFL football player and Decatur native Clarence Scott judged the quality of the work done by each of the 11 teams in their assigned plots. Prize money, donated by Renewal Construction, was given to the four highest-scoring teams. The first prize team, appropriately named “Invasive and Persuasive,” took home $1,000. The money will be donated to the group’s church. Most of the groups were competing for charitable causes. Third prize winner, the Decatur High School Bulldog Booster Club, actually donated its winnings to a competing team of Decatur High students planning to attend President-elect Obama’s inauguration. “Their resolve, diligence and purpose were inspiring to all the parents on the DBB Team, as they represent not only the next generation, but one which embraces and serves their community,” says Bill Ainslie, DBB team leader. “Our donation, while not directly supporting our athletic teams, is still an investment in our kids and money well spent.”

The success of an event like this proves that when private enterprise and local government work together, the community can accomplish so much more. State Representative Benfield was impressed by the spirit and motivation of the day. “Making the clean up a competition was a fun way to get people involved. It really motivated people to do their best. I hope we’ll see similar events organized.”


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More pictures and information can be found at:www.philzenner.com and www.parkrenewalday.com.