Community Foundation Sponsors 6th Annual Railtrail / Riverwalk Clean Up

Volunteers from 50 organizations and groups lend a hand for annual event.

April 30, 2005
By: Stephen Kent

This was the weekend. The predicted showers gave way to a bright blue sky and moderate temperatures as volunteers representing over 50 organizations and groups descended on the Riverwalk and Railtrail for the annual Spring Clean Up. All the schools were represented as well as organizations such as Rotary, The Jaycees, Delta College's DEX, and the Community Foundation's "Youth Initiative" group.

The day was organized by the Railtrail Committee of the Bay Area Community Foundation and supported by the City Parks Department. Rakes, shovels, gloves and trash bags were passed out at the Community Center as teams were assigned to areas of the trail. Fresh fruit, bottled water and cookies baked by volunteers were also on hand for that quick refresher.

The Riverwalk is one of the jewels of Bay City's riverfront. The 820 foot Riverwalk Pier into the Saginaw River, with it's covered gazebo, was completed in 1989. The first part of the Railtrail was ccompleted in 1991. The Hampton Township section was added in 1992 and the entire 9.5 mile loop was completed in 2002. Future extentions will connect the trail to Bay City State Recreation area on the north side of town.

Spring daffodils are blooming	Cathy Washabaugh and Diane Demers check in team from All Saints High
Rob Monroe from Bay City Rotary and Sita Compton, Vice Chair of the Railtrail committee clean up under the Liberty Bridge	HEY! Somebody tell Rob it's NOT A RACE!