Volunteers in Ashland will spread out on April 24 for another city-wide cleanup in efforts to “Make Ashland Sparkle.”

The beautification event is in its second year, and has volunteers painting fire hydrants and trash cans, picking up litter along major streets and sprucing up mulch beds downtown and in city parks. 

Two new county parks are included in this year’s efforts. Volunteers are being sought to stain the boardwalk and picnic pavilion at the Audubon Wetlands Preserve  and the bridge, pavilion and observation tower at Byers Woods.

Event sponsors are the Rotary Club of Ashland, Ashland County Ministerial Association, City of Ashland and Norma June Foundation.

Last year’s Make Ashland Sparkle was a success, according to Lee Peters, a past president of the Rotary Club and lead organizer of the event. The event was held in September instead of April due to the pandemic, and drew over 100 volunteers. 

From now on, the clean-up day will be scheduled on the last Saturday in April each year.

“It’s great timing as we are coming back out of Covid,” said Dave Langdon, pastor of the Ashland Church of the Nazarene. “Spring is in the air and everyone is excited to get outside again. This is a great opportunity for us to come together and make a positive impact for our community.” 

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Corner Park downtown. The kickoff will be at 9 a.m., and volunteers will then head to their designated assignments. Lunch will be provided back at Corner Park from 11:30 a.m. until noon. Paint and cleaning supplies will be provided. 

“We had a great event last year with over 100 volunteers from all facets of our community who graciously gave of their time to help beautify our city. 

We’re even more excited this year for more people to participate and tackle more corners of our city,” said Amanda Patterson, community outreach coordinator for the city. 

The rain date is May 1.