Members of the Downtown Issaquah Association have learned over the years that as clean as the city looks, there’s still a need to tidy up after a careless few.
Thus, the association’s annual effort to pick up trash in the downtown corridor has grown into a more encompassing event — the third annual, citywide Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day.
The cleanup is from 9 a.m. to noon April 25. The beautification project has grown past the length of Front Street to include:
- Pedestrian Park
- Train depot
- Veterans’ Memorial Field
- Salmon hatchery
- Community center
- Food and clothing bank
- Rainier Trail
- Gilman Boulevard — from state Route 900 to Front Street
- SR 900 — Walkways between Newport Way and Gilman Boulevard
- Newport Way — SR 900 to Front Street
- Lake Sammamish State Park
- North of Interstate 90 — Exit 15 to Northwest Sammamish Road and Southeast 56th Street.
The DIA seeks volunteers, groups and individuals, to help with the cleanup. Karen Donovan, DIA executive director, said it may sound like a lot of area to cover, but judging by last year’s turnout, it will be a breeze.
“About 300 people showed up last year,” she said. “We recommend that groups call ahead so we can point them to specific locations. Individuals can meet at the Shell station.”
If you know of a group that wishes to participate, contact Donovan at enews@downtownissaquah.com or 391-1112 and provide the number of people, age group, hours available and location preference, if you have any.
Donovan added that just about everyone of all ages is welcome; if you can pick up litter, push a broom, swing a shovel or plant flowers, your help is needed.
“There are jobs for all ages and abilities, and flexible schedules to get the work done,” she said. “We’ll probably keep the little kids to planting things.”
Donovan said the annual cleanup is a great way for students to fulfill their community service hours for school or church groups.
“In fact, most of last year’s participants were students,” she added.
In addition to picking up and planting, local business Recology CleanScapes participates by pressure washing areas the day before. Helping sponsor the event are the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah and Drug Free Community Coalition. In addition, Top Pot will serve doughnuts and coffee afterward.
Tools, vests and bags will be provided.
Donovan admitted that just about the only thing that won’t be provided is trash.
“We’ve had such a phenomenal turnout in the last few years, I’ve got to find enough trash for them to pick up.”
