Rid Litter Day brought residents, nonprofit groups and local officials together Saturday, April 18 for a community cleanup aimed at removing roadside trash and strengthening neighborhood pride.
Volunteers gathered at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 123rd St., which served as the starting point for the village’s annual cleanup effort. From there, participants spread out along 123rd Street and McCarthy Road, with some extending into nearby residential areas to collect litter.
More than 50 volunteers took part in the effort, including members of Scout Troop 699, along with students and families from across the community.
Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters joined volunteers at the start of the event and praised the continued participation.
“I’m so pleased that we continue to see such strong participation with our annual Spring Rid Litter Day,” Milovich-Walters said. “This is about bringing the community together and making Palos Park beautiful. While many of us do our part regularly, dedicating an entire day for the community to come together really strengthens our bond.”
The effort continues a tradition that has grown steadily since the village first organized Rid Litter Day in 1997 through the Beautification Committee. Village officials estimate volunteers have collected roughly three tons of litter over the years.
Supplies such as gloves and garbage bags were provided to participants, and collected bags were later picked up during the village’s regular garbage service.
The event remains a key part of the village’s ongoing efforts to maintain cleaner streets and public spaces.