A Clean Sweep

Volunteers and neighbors pick up their brooms to keep Weccacoe Playground clean and safe.

Text and photographs by Donna Pancari

The Courtyard Mentor Network (CMN) gathered with the Friends of Weccacoe (FOW) on a sunny, mild morning to clean up Weccacoe Park in honor of Martin Luther King Day.

Fifteen CMN participants worked with their mentors, families, and the FOW chairs to organize and facilitate the removal of leaves from the tennis court, to clear leaves and debris from adjacent sidewalks and storm drains, and to tidy up garden beds. The event attracted dozens of additional volunteers, including neighboring residents, tennis players, and several members of S.M.O.O.T.H., a service-oriented organization from Temple University.

By the end of the day, the combined effort netted 32 leaf bags, and the park and sidewalks were safe and ready for the remainder of winter weather. ■