In an effort to leave Richardson Parks cleaner overall for everyone to enjoy, the Richardson Parks and Recreation Department introduces the Clean Parks Program. The purpose of the program is to create advocates for clean parks, reduce trash left behind at pavilions, reduce microlitter, like confetti, and raise community awareness about the proper use of park trash receptacles.

The Clean Parks Program is made possible through a $5,000 grant from the Richardson Rotary Club. The funding will provide:

  • Clean Park Patrol Passports An educational activity booklet for kids in 1st grade and older. The booklet includes a park map, litter facts, in-book activities, challenges, a litter quiz and a pledge and signature sheet. It will be distributed at Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers, the Gymnastics Center, the Recreation Day Camp program and local day care centers.
  • SWAG Materials Items such as drawstring bags, water bottles and stickers will be given out as prizes for completing challenges inside the Clean Park Patrol Passport.
  • Branded Trash Bags and Dispensers To address excess trash left behind at pavilions, trash bag dispensers will be placed at Crowley Park and Breckinridge Park Complex C Pavilions. The trash bags are yellow-tinted branded bags.
  • Park and Pavilion Signage Signs places throughout parks will educate on how to keep the area clean, explain the purpose of trash cans, impacts of large gatherings, scheduling and how to report issues.

The Clean Parks Program will also introduce a new Trash Bin Pilot Program, which is expected to launch in late January. Trash bins will be placed at Crowley and Berkner Parks as well as Renner Trail. The bins will have double the capacity, and the goal is to reduce trash blowout and create a cleaner appearance in public spaces.

The Parks and Recreation Department will increase staff monitoring in these public spaces to ensure there are no issues with the bins, bags or dispensers. Concerns can be reported by:

For additional information about the Clean Parks Program, visit https://www.cor.net/cleanparks