Community Volunteers Unite for Postponed Clean-Up Event at Fox River and Waubonsie Lake Park

Volunteers gathered on Saturday morning to assist in a clean-up event around Montgomery Dam on the Fox River in Montgomery and Waubonsie Lake Park in Aurora. Originally scheduled for April 25 to celebrate Earth Day, the event was postponed to May 16 due to heavy rains in late April. High water levels necessitated the delay, as explained by Ivan Chambers, community outreach coordinator for the Fox Valley Park District.

“Due to the elevated levels on the Fox River and out of abundance of caution and the safety of the community and volunteers, we determined that postponing the event was the best and most responsible course of action,” said Chambers.

This annual event has been held for several years, with both Montgomery Dam and Waubonsie Lake Park participating for the past two years simultaneously. Chambers noted, “With Montgomery, we’ve been working there at least 10 years and then we added Waubonsie. Generally, we average about 30 volunteers at each location.”

Chambers emphasized the need for clean-ups at these sites because “the waterways are known for collecting different trash and debris along the shoreline.” Participating in such events enhances public spaces, fosters community connections, and boosts civic pride. Most importantly, it provides an immediate visual improvement to the environment.

The event attracted several volunteers, including Donna Smith of Aurora, who found the clean-up crucial. She shared, “The clean-up is something that we had to get done, absolutely.” Volunteers like Theresa Solan highlighted the significance of community involvement, “if we all pitch in everything will stay beautiful and we can all enjoy it.”

First-time participant Angie Ng from Oswego, who recently moved from Wisconsin, joined the clean-up due to her appreciation for Waubonsie Lake Park’s biking trails. “I like to exercise out here, and I want to keep the place I come to beautiful,” Ng noted, adding that volunteering provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

David Sharos contributed reporting for The Beacon-News.