Neighborhood Clean-Up Program
Keep Oak Park Beautiful is an initiative that encourages residents to participate in the beautification of Oak Park. Residents and not-for-profit organizations located in Oak Park can make an impact in the community by organizing a neighborhood clean-up event. It takes a Village to protect the planet and Keep Oak Park Beautiful!
Through the Neighborhood Clean-Up Program, the Village will provide a maximum of 10 heavy duty trash bags, 10 pairs of gloves and 10 pink refuse stickers.
The Village will make available 10 brooms and 10 shovels on a first-come, first-served basis. The brooms and shovels will be picked up from the organizer's location the Monday after the clean-up event.
Assemble a team. Talk to neighbors and sign up volunteers. You may want to assign tasks, such as: picking up litter, holding the trash bag, traffic control, sweeping, serving snacks, supervising small children, or offering space in a refuse cart or recycling bin.- Set the date - Provide an alternative date in the event of rain.
- Promote the event. Let all neighbors sharing the alley know about the clean-up.
- Prepare your headquarters. Have a table and chairs, trash bags, refuse stickers, gloves, brooms, a bucket with water, towels, first aid kit and a cell phone in case of emergency.
- Review clean up goals and safety guidelines with the clean-up team.
- Stay on Track. If you planned to complete the event in an allotted time, be aware of your deadline.
- Share the workload. Watch for someone who may be overdoing it or becoming tired - perhaps that person could be redirected to a less physical task.
- Have fun. Some Oak Parkers hold block parties in the alley with part of the day used for clean-up projects. Take pictures of your clean-up event.
- Proper trash disposal. Use one pink garbage sticker for each bag that does not fit into your trash can.
- Get social. Take photos of the clean-up event and share using #oakparkcleanup
Review these guidelines with the clean-up team before the event.
- Provide a wash station, hand sanitizer and first aid kit.
- Always wear gloves, especially when handling broken glass, metal objects or pieces of wood.
- Assign someone to supervise small children.
- Wear sturdy closed toe shoes and comfortable, bright colored clothing that cover arms and legs.
- Apply insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Stay at least five feet from the edge of the road.
- Stay clear of any construction
- Stop work in inclement weather
- Drink plenty of fluids- take breaks- avoid overexertion
- Be alert for wildlife, stinging insects and poisonous plants
Have a safe, successful event!
