Work days to clean up Bemidji's hard-hit parks set starting next week
BEMIDJI - Volunteers are being sought to aid with cleaning up Bemidji's parks, which were hit hard and sustained numerous downed trees in the July 2 storm.
Organized work days at several neighborhood parks have been arranged, according to a Bemidji Parks Department news release.
The following work days and locations are set:
Nymore and Otto Schmunk parks, 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday. Check in at the new parking lot area near the tennis courts.
Library and Paul Bunyan parks, 8 a.m. to noon, Thursday. Check in at the Jaycees Pavilion.
The news release said work will be primarily by hand and include brush and stick removal, raking and possibly some shoveling. All tools and materials will be provided. Volunteers should provide their own work gloves and clothing, eye protection and water.
To sign up for one or more work days, or for more in-formation, contact Tina Hanke by phone at 308-3780 or email at ti-na.hanke@ci.bemidji.mn.us.
For those who are unable to help at the work days but want to contribute, Bemidji has a "Parks and Trails Endowment and Project Fund" at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.
Donations will go toward tree planting in the parks, including Diamond Park, Nymore Park and other neighborhood parks.
Online donations can be made at www.nwmf.org or mailed to Northwest Minne-sota Foundation-Bemidji Area Parks and Trails Endowment and Project Fund, Tree Replacement, 4225 Technology Drive NW, Bemidji, MN 56601.
The Parks Department plans to announce more work days in the coming weeks.