Earlier this summer, members of the Medford community took to social media to complain about the condition of Freedom Park.
From old mulch and untrimmed hedges around the memorials to broken playground equipment and old sand in the sandbox, residents were unhappy with how their local park looked.
Instead of simply complaining online, though, the Woman’s Club of Medford and MOMS Club of Medford have decided to do something about it.
The clubs are joining forces to do a large-scale clean up project on Sunday, Sept. 14 from noon until 4 p.m.
Kathy Cullen, president of the Medford Woman’s Club, said the social media discussions people were having inspired the clubs to take action.
“It grew out of social media, everyone complaining,” she said. “We decided to take the bull by the horns, so to speak.”
The clubs will tackle all areas of the park, from the skate park and the playground to the memorials and picnic area.
Cullen said the clubs have plenty of volunteers who want to step up and beautify the park, especially with fall approaching.
“We’re trying to make it better so that people can enjoy the park more,” Cullen said.
Upkeep of the parks has been a pressing issue. The township has encouraged volunteer groups to get more involved after it was forced to reduce public works personnel and costs a few years ago.
“They’re really looking for organizations to help,” Cullen said.
The Woman’s Club has done a few Freedom Park projects in the past. Now, it is taking on more responsibility.
“We set up a reflected bench area near the skate park and we’re going to be sprucing that up,” Cullen said. “We also decided to take over maintenance and upkeep of the two veterans memorials there. The town does the cutting of the grass. They were relying on volunteer groups to weed. We decided to make it our kind of project, so every time they want us to spruce things up, we can do it.”
The club is planning to put in perennials and new mulch near the memorials and the reflected bench.
Work on the playground area won’t just be relegated to the clean up. With some of the equipment broken, the Woman’s Club is trying to raise money to replace it. The club has a donation button on its website, www.medfordwomansclub.com.
While the idea to replace the equipment is still in the early stages, Cullen said the township has been welcoming of the plans.
“The town knows we’re doing it,” she said. “The town is thankful for any kind of help we can provide.”
The clean up is not just for members of the Woman’s Club and MOMS Club. Invitations have been extended to other organizations in the area.
“We’re actively contacting local Scout troops, St. Mary’s youth groups and the National Honor Society at Shawnee,” Cullen said.
Cullen is inviting all residents to help the clubs with the project. Volunteers can work for any amount of time. Snacks will be provided.
