More Than 100 Consumers Energy Employees Volunteer for Earth Day Projects

By Jeff Steers
JTV News

(April 22, 2022 3:50 PM) The downtown area, two parks, a recreation center, and a pedestrian trail received a lot of attention Friday, thanks to a collaboration between Consumers Energy and the City of Jackson. 

Consumers Energy employees are continuing their annual tradition of honoring Earth Day by picking up litter and improving public spaces in Jackson. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than 100 Consumers Energy employees left their offices and got outside for the volunteer projects. 

Employees worked on areas at these locations:

• Ella Sharp Park, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Paint picnic tables and benches, collect litter in the park, remove leaves from ball fields. 

• Loomis Park, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Remove leaves and tree branches. 

• MLK Equality Trail, New Leaf Park to MLK Recreation Center, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Remove tree branches from the trail, pick up litter. 

•  MLK Recreation Center, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Clean up grounds area around the center. 

• Downtown Jackson, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mulch garden beds from Jackson Street to Mechanic Street, collect litter along the Downtown corridor. 

“Our hometown Jackson parks are true jewels, and we at Consumers Energy are proud to have the opportunity to provide hometown service that goes above and beyond our day jobs to help make our community sparkle,” said Jessica Spagnuolo, Consumers Energy sustainability director prior to the work day. “Many of us look forward to this opportunity each year to get outside and support the city.” 

Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Sargeant says these volunteer efforts are a big help to City staff. “Consumers Energy employees do tasks our staff don’t always have the time to do. These efforts improve the overall look of Jackson and create a sense of community pride in our public spaces,” Sargeant said. 

Groups interested in volunteering in Jackson parks should contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 517-788-4040 to set up a volunteer event.