Despite overcast skies and intermittent rain, more than 400 people dedicated their Saturday and their elbow grease to putting a spit-shine on the Friendly City.
“We”ve had a huge outpouring of support from the community,” said Scott Ferguson, Chairman of Link”d Young Professionals. “I”m blown away by the support we received.”
People from all over Columbus, in all walks of life, gathered under the pavilion at the Hitching Post Farmer”s Market Saturday morning to take part in Clean Sweep Columbus, sponsored by Link”d Young Professionals.
“We”re reinstalling some pride in our town,” said Shasta Nance, board member of Link”d. “You have to be proud of what you have.”
In an area spanning from the far end of Nashville Ferry Road all the way to Bluecutt Road, participants picked up garbage, swept off sidewalks and put a new coat of paint on fire hydrants.
In all, 75 fire hydrants were touched up by the volunteers.
Raleighcia James, a seventh grader at New Hope Middle School and the daughter of Riley and Lograze James, helped clean up Main Street alongside the Pink Roses of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
“We just want to help clean up Columbus and do something for our town,” she said.
“I think this could be a good jump-start to something ongoing,” said Pastor Darren Leach of Genesis Church. “I live right in the center of Ward 5 on the North side area and we”ve been trying to get concerned citizens together to maintain our city on a certain level. I think this is the first step to doing that.”
The event was put together to coincide with the one year anniversary of Link”d.
“The city looks better than it ever has, but you can always make something better,” Ferguson said. “We want to put our mark on it to make Columbus the best it possibly can.”
Ferguson said the success of event will lead to future Clean Sweeps.
“This will definitely become a bi-annual event,” he said.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
