Wrangell Parks and Recreation Director Kate Thomas (left) and volunteer Cindy Martin, who serves on the Parks and Rec board, got in some early work last Saturday ahead of this weekend's community-wide effort to restore and replant the downtown flower beds. Volunteers can sign up for tasks and tools starting at 9 a.m. both days, registering at the downtown pavilion.
A few volunteers and city parks and recreation staff have started the work, but the big push to clean up, restore and replant downtown garden beds -and generally spruce up Front Street - is this weekend.
The work project stretches down Front Street from the Stikine Inn to Rayme's Bar, said Kate Thomas, parks director. "I am not going to turn down help, ever."
Volunteers can sign up and pick up tools, supplies and assignments at the downtown pavilion 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, though volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools if they have any, Thomas said, such as gloves, five-gallon buckets, hand trowels, small rakes or shovels. "We don't have 60 of everything."
A little rain may dampen the two-day event, but it will not wash it out, she said, "unless it's blowing sideways."
If the downtown work is finished and people and supplies are still available, "efforts may expand beyond Front Street," Thomas said.
The city has ordered shrubs, mulch and flowers for the curbside garden beds, and lunch will be provided for the volunteers. Parks and recreation workers will join the volunteers, and the department has invited all borough offices to join in the effort.
In addition to the garden beds, work plans include removing grass and weeds along sidewalks, washing benches, cleaning up trash and cleaning around the downtown pavilion, painting parking barriers and straightening street signs.
"Over the course of the past year our economy has been stunted and its affects have been felt throughout our community. Let this summer be a time for rebuilding," Thomas said. "We would like to come together and ensure that our most cherished attractions, waterfronts and green spaces are looking refreshed, inviting and beautiful."
The garden beds were added during street construction work about a decade ago, but several years of neglect meant they needed "some tender loving care," she said. This is the first year the parks department has taken on the project.
"Our efforts include recruiting volunteer community groups, businesses and/or individuals to assist with replenishing and maintaining the garden beds along Front Street throughout the season," Thomas said, noting that the nonprofit Saint Francis Animal Rescue group already has adopted one of the beds for the season.
Anyone who wants to help but cannot make it this weekend can call Thomas at 874-2444 and she will assign a task.
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