Volunteers gathered on a Saturday morning to clean the areas around Montgomery Dam on the Fox River in Montgomery and Waubonsie Lake Park in Aurora. The event was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. In late April, heavy rains raised the water levels in the Fox River, leading the Fox Valley Park District to reschedule the clean-up event initially planned for April 25, coinciding with Earth Day, to May 16.
Ivan Chambers, the community outreach coordinator for the Fox Valley Park District, explained the decision to postpone. He emphasized that the elevated river levels necessitated a cautious approach to ensure the safety of the volunteers and community. “Postponing was the best and most responsible choice,” he stated.
This annual clean-up event has a history spanning several years. “For the past two years, we’ve run this simultaneously,” Chambers noted, referring to activities at both the Montgomery Dam and Waubonsie Lake Park. “We’ve been working in Montgomery for at least ten years and later added Waubonsie.” On average, around 30 volunteers join at each location.
Chambers highlighted the necessity of these clean-ups, pointing out that “the waterways often collect various trash and debris along the shoreline.” He believes that volunteering enhances public spaces visually and fosters community connections. “It helps protect the environment and builds pride, offering volunteer and service opportunities,” he said. “Most importantly, it creates an immediate visual impact.”
On the day of the event, Ivan Chambers addressed a group of volunteers at the pavilion in Waubonsie Lake Park in Aurora before they set out for the three-hour clean-up.
The clean-up is essential,remarked Donna Smith from Aurora, who participated at Waubonsie Lake. She noted,Though Waubonsie Lake is relatively clean, we find items like candy wrappers and bottles along the shoreline.
Another volunteer, Theresa Solan of Aurora, stressed the importance of collective participation: By pitching in, we ensure everything stays beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Angie Ng from Oswego, a newcomer to the community from Wisconsin, joined the event for the first time. I often come to enjoy the biking trails here,
she said. If you enjoy the park, participating in clean-up brings a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
The event showcased the community’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing local public spaces.