Journal Editorial: Do your part to keep our parks clean, inviting

There’s a quiet kind of pride that comes with living in a community like Brandon. You see it in well-kept yards, friendly waves on neighborhood streets and in the simple joy of spending time at places like our main parks, McHardy and Aspen, and in the collection of our neighborhood parks. But that pride is only as strong as the care we’re willing to show when no one is watching.

Recently, a resident shared with us that she spent part of her day picking up trash at McHardy Park. She was disheartened by the amount of litter she saw, everything from fast food bags to scraps of construction paper scattered across the grounds. It wasn’t her job. She wasn’t assigned the task. She just saw a problem and decided to do something about it.

That’s admirable. But it also raises a tougher question: why did she have to?

Our parks are shared spaces. They belong to all of us – organized sports, families gathering for picnics, kids burning off energy on playgrounds, residents enjoying a quiet walk. When litter is left behind, it doesn’t just create an eyesore. It sends a message that these places – and the people who use them – don’t matter as much as convenience.

It’s easy to shrug off a fast food sack or a handful of paper as “not a big deal.” But those small choices add up quickly. One piece of trash becomes many. And before long, a space meant for enjoyment starts to feel neglected.

The truth is, keeping our parks clean doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s as simple as throwing away what you bring in. Better yet, if you see something left behind, take a moment to pick it up, even if it isn’t yours. That small act can make a big difference, not just in appearance, but in setting a standard for others.

Communities don’t stay vibrant by accident. They stay that way because people care enough to put in the effort, even in small, unseen ways. The woman who took time to pick up trash at McHardy Park set an example worth following, but she shouldn’t have to carry that responsibility alone.

If we want our parks to reflect the pride we feel in our community, then it’s on all of us to do our part. The next time you visit, take a look around before you leave. Leave it better than you found it.

Because a clean park isn’t just about appearance. It’s a reflection of who we are.

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Later this month, there is an opportunity to spruce up our city by volunteering at the annual Earth Day River Clean-up from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 25 at McHardy Park. This annual event is an endeavor of Friends of the Big Sioux River in partnership with the city of Brandon.

To learn more, visit fbsr.org/earthday.