Parks Volunteer Group Announces Fall Projects to Begin Saturday

PPT Volunteers at Ella Sharp Park.  Courtesy photo.

(September 27, 2024 1:18 PM ET) Jackson residents looking to make a difference in local parks have three upcoming opportunities this fall! People for the Parks and Trails (PPT), a resident-led volunteer group, has scheduled three volunteer projects for the fall 2024 season. The fall season kicks off Saturday, Sept. 28 with a volunteer opportunity at Ella Sharp Park.

The following is a list of upcoming projects organized by People for the Parks and Trails: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 am: Paint score box and cleanup ball fields at Ella Sharp Park

Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 am: Trim decorative grasses and pickup litter in Downtown Jackson

Saturday,Oct.26,10am:RemovelitterandleavesatMt.EvergreenCemetery(Annual Halloween event)

At the start of each volunteer season, PPT leaders meet with the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department to see where volunteer projects are needed in the parks system. So far this year, the group has held two volunteer events to spruce up Jackson’s public parks, bringing out dozens of residents to participate. In May, the non-profit organization brought together residents to cleanup all 28 of the City’s public parks in one day.

Aaron Dimick, PPT Co-Founder and President, says interest in the non-profit continues to grow. “It’s exciting to see our neighbors come together to improve our public spaces for everyone in the community. We’re looking forward to all we can do this fall to keep this positive momentum going,” Dimick said.

Volunteer projects are open to everyone. No prior sign-up is needed, volunteers can just show up and get to work! More information about the volunteer opportunities is posted on PPT’s website, peoplefortheparks.org. Updates about the projects will also be available on the non-profit’s Facebook page. These are the final volunteer events of the 2024 season. Projects will resume in spring 2025.

PPT recently worked with the Experience Jackson to donate and install a new bike repair station in New Leaf Park to aid cyclists using the MLK Equality Trail. People for the Parks and Trails is being honored by the City of Jackson Human Relations Commission with a Harold White Award at an upcoming event on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The award is being given to PPT for the group’s volunteer efforts in parks and the positive impact they’ve had on the community.