Parkersburg cleanups planned for Friday, Saturday mornings

PARKERSBURG -- Two cleanups are planned in Parkersburg on Friday and Saturday.

Downtown PKB is asking the public to join a downtown cleanup day from 9 a.m. to noon Friday to pull weeds and clean trash throughout downtown Parkersburg. Volunteers will meet at 610 Market St., the Chams restaurant building, and supplies will be distributed at 9 a.m.

Crews will then spread out to cover as much of the downtown area as possible, Amanda Stevens, Downtown PKB executive director, said.

Many events including historic preservation efforts, economic development initiatives and beautification projects are organized to revitalize downtown, she said.

"We want to help sustain current businesses and promote growth of new businesses and organizations, and one important aspect is keeping the downtown clean and inviting," Stevens said.

Downtown PKB hosts a Cleanup Day in the spring each year and dozens of volunteers participate, she said. The Wood County Solid Waste Authority will provide cleanup supplies such as gloves and trash bags, and the City of Parkersburg collects the bags of trash afterward.

An additional cleanup is needed this summer to help keep up with weeds and litter, Stevens said.

Individuals and businesses are welcome to volunteer, Stevens said. Those interested can email amanda@downtownpkb.com or call the Downtown PKB office at 304-865-0522.

District 4 Community Action will hold Alley Cleanup Day starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at 16th and Ramsey streets to pick up trash and brush in the alleys along 16th Street in District 4.

"We want to start with two to three specific projects to make our neighborhood look better," said President Matthew Smith. "We plan to focus on getting rid of graffiti on buildings and clearing the alleys of debris."

The Solid Waste Authority is providing gloves and bags for the cleanup.

Volunteers are invited to join their neighbors and bring shovels, rakes and weed trimmers. For more information, call 304-488-3810.