Medford Township officials are asking for the public’s help by reporting incidents of littering, dumping and vandalism that have beset several of its parks, recreational facilities and open spaces over the past several months.
Unidentified individuals have been littering most areas within Freedom Park, the township’s largest and busiest park.
Known throughout the region for its dog park, skate park, canoe trail, and veterans memorials, as well as hosting large scale public events such as Medford’s annual 4th of July fireworks; almost every area within Freedom Park has experienced significant amounts of small paper scraps being tossed around the most utilized areas on an almost weekly basis.
The repeated incidents, the last of which occurred over the Thanksgiving weekend has angered Medford governmental leaders, as the paper scraps are small and nearly impossible to remove without labor-intensive efforts.
“As residents and as parents we are truly offended that people have chosen to take these actions,” Said Mayor James “Randy” Pace. “These are repeated, deliberate acts, and they hurt all residents and visitors, not just the administration who has to utilize precious township resources to address the littering and dumping. This is much more than a nuisance. We have utilized a multitude of youth from scout troops, church clubs and other civic organizations to conduct cleanups under our Clean Communities program as a part of our continuing efforts to maintain the quality of our renowned parks, and these youth and their adult chaperones who are volunteering their time should not be subject to the constant barrage of refuse that is now being left in Freedom Park and other areas.”
Township officials are also investigating reported incidents of illegal dumping in several parks and open spaces, not only in Freedom Park but also Bob Meyer Park, which is adjacent to Medford Township’s Public Works Facility off of Gravelly Hollow Road.
Township manager Christopher Schultz announced recently that any tip leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the littering in Freedom Park will receive a $500 reward, paid for from State of NJ Clean Communities Grant funds. Residents and guests to Medford’s parks can help by noting and reporting suspicious activity to the Medford Police at the main Dispatch number of (609) 265–8300 or via its Citizens Tip Line at (609) 714–0302.
These same grant funds have been used to award stipends to community groups who conduct litter abatement and cleanup efforts. To date, there have been over 20 cleanups at Freedom Park and Bob Meyer Park to deal with the on going littering and dumping problem.
“The Medford Township Council, administration and staff are all committed to maintain Medford’s parks and open spaces in the manner to which our residents and visitors are accustomed,” said Pace. “Appreciating all the assets our parks have to offer, our citizens have joined with the local government in this effort. We again ask the public to play a key role in not only the maintenance but also the safety and security of our parks and open spaces. We are asking everyone who utilizes our parks to help us by being aware of this situation and keeping their eyes open to these illegal acts.”
