Storm Lake residents and groups are being invited to take part in Storm Lake Proud Month beautification efforts, all during the month of May.
Mayor Mike Porsch announced the effort during the April 15 City Council meeting.
In the past, the Storm Lake Proud effort has been limited to a single day or week, but city leaders found that arrangement limited participation due to scheduling conflicts or the possibility of bad weather. By creating a Storm Lake Proud month, groups or individuals interested in taking part are free to schedule their own effort at any time during the month.
“Storm Lake Proud Month is an excellent opportunity to join in community camaraderie and environmental stewardship,” Mayor Porsch notes. “Groups can sign up now for a park clean up or other particular project that fits for them, at a date and time that works for them. We hope lots of people join in as we unite for a cleaner, greener Storm Lake.”
To get involved, call City Hall at 732-8000, or email Public Services Program Manager Kim Woltman at woltman@stormlake.org, with the project you are interested in, and your contact phone and email. City staff will provide more information and any support needed to make a project happen.
Here is a list of projects in need of volunteers, during the month of May or any time:
• Adopt a Storm Water Feature – pick up trash and pull weeds – year long commitment
• Adopt a Park – pick up trash and sticks – year long commitment
• Adopt a Beach – pick up trash – year long commitment
• Stain picnic tables at the campground
• Pick up sticks and debris in the parks
• Pick up sticks and debris at Discovery Center
• Mulch in the parks and around playground equipment
• Paint park benches at various park locations
• Wash windows at Chautauqua Park Shelter House
• Clean Chautauqua Park Shelter House
• Paint inside of Chautauqua Park Shelter House
• Pick up trash from parks or collect filled garbage bags
• Collect trash and refuse at beaches
• Paint picnic grills in the parks
• Clean up retention pond area on north side of Meridian
• Paint tennis/racquetball court backboard
• Walk ditches from golf course to Highway 7 & 71
• Clean up art lighthouses (wipe down with water)
• Put together fire rings at campground
• Create tree museum inventory
• Check dock signs – see if any need to be replaced
• Paint Storm Lake entry signs (7 & 71 Lighthouse, Frank Starr Park and Walmart areas.)
1 bag challenge of picking up garbage for residents
• Repaint anchor at Chautauqua Park needs jetty (use wire brush first)
• Touch up paint on trail lights
• Other ideas for beautification needs? The City is open for suggestions.
TAKE THE ONE-BAG CHALLENGE
Also, a One-Bag Challenge is being launched for Storm Lake Proud Month. Individuals who might not be able to take on a larger project are challenged to fill one large trash bag during the month with trash or refuse from any of the public areas in the community – parks, beaches, streets, playgrounds, schoolgrounds, ballfields, etc. Every little bit helps to keep the community beautiful. If you need a bag to take part, pick one up at City Hall.
A City-Wide Clean Up will also be offered during Storm Lake Proud Month.
On May 4, residents of Storm Lake will be able to drop off their unwanted household items at the Public Services Shop, 433 Vilas Road, 8:30 a.m.-noon. There will be a $5 charge per load, with all of the proceeds donated to Upper Des Moines Opportunity to help the less fortunate of the community.
The City-Wide Clean-Up accepts furniture, push mowers, car batteries, grills, carpeting, electronics, appliances, plastic goods, personal vehicle tires not mounted on rims, and other bulky home items.
The event cannot accept yard waste, paint or chemicals, junk vehicles or parts, toilets, tubs or other ceramic fixtures, and no construction materials will be accepted. (For information on disposal of these items, contact the Harold Rowley Recycling Center.)
City leaders hope to offer a second City-Wide Clean-Up event in the fall.