Fullerton : Groups Offered Cash to Help Keep Parks Clean

Mom never paid you $500 to clean up your room, but the City of Fullerton will pay that much for cleaning up a park.

The city is now accepting applications from nonprofit groups interested in the “Adopt-A-Park” program. Twelve groups, which recently completed a 17-week session in which group members were responsible for keeping specific parks looking spiffy, received $500 each this week.

“The groups did a great job,” said Joe Felz, program director. “They were very conscientious, and sometimes came twice a week to clean if there had been a particularly busy weekend. They really seemed to develop a sense of responsibility for their assigned parks.”

Groups interested in the next 17-week session need to return their application forms by Aug. 2. Participating organizations pick up litter and visit the parks at least once a week.

To qualify, the groups must be based in Fullerton and have nonprofit status. Also, a majority of the organization’s members must be Fullerton residents. Applications are available at the Community Services Department in Fullerton’s City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.