City concentrates debris volunteer efforts during July 24 event due to low volunteer registrations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield is condensing volunteer efforts during the July 24 Clean Green Storm Debris Volunteer Day due to low volunteer registrations. Extreme heat seems to be a factor.

Volunteers will be assigned to the three rally point locations with the highest number of assistance requests –  Zagonyi Park, Fassnight Park and Sunset Church of Christ.  Volunteer hours will also be limited to morning shift (7:30-11:30 a.m.) due to heat advisories.

Springfield Public Works will continue to mobilize City-wide to provide as much debris staging assistance as possible with available crews.

The originally scheduled July 17 Volunteer Day was cancelled out of an abundance of caution for the safety of volunteers as severe weather was forecasted on that day. The City rescheduled for Thursday, July 24. The volunteer workday is organized to assist residents who are physically unable to move storm debris to the curb.

“We really hoped this could be a community-wide effort but, unfortunately, we suspect the short notice on the rescheduled date combined with the heat this week is impacting our volunteer registrations,” said Director of Public Information and Civic Engagement Cora Scott. “The City is trying our best to reach those who have the greatest need in debris cleanup efforts, but the weather and the calendar seem to be against us.”    

The Volunteer Day is separate from the Public Works debris pickup schedule, but low response may impact the debris pickup schedule.

“With fewer volunteers, we may not be able to complete all debris staging assistance requests on July 24,” says Public Works Assistant Director Eric Claussen. “We will still begin picking up debris at curbsides in Zone 1 Aug. 11-15, but the remaining zone by zone debris pickup schedule may be delayed.”  

The City remains focused on remaining storm debris cleanup in Springfield neighborhoods and will continue to encourage volunteer engagement as needed.  

July 24 Volunteer Day Update: 

• Volunteer efforts will be limited to three rally locations – Zagonyi Park, Fassnight Park and Sunset Church of Christ. Volunteers will work the morning shift only (7:30 – 11:30 a.m.).

• Volunteers previously registered will receive a confirmation email to check availability for the reduced locations and hours.

• The workday’s purpose remains the same: to assist residents who are physically unable to move vegetative debris to the curb.

• Those already signed up to receive assistance will remain on the list. The deadline to request this particular assistance has passed.

• Volunteer sign-ups remain open to groups and individuals at www.CleanGreenSGF.com.

Public Works Debris Tentative Pickup Schedule

Public Works neighborhood debris sweeps (debris removal) will begin after the volunteer event:

• Zone 1: August 11–15

• Zone 3: August 18–22

• Zone 2: August 25–29

• Zone 4: September 1–5

Residents do not need to register for these sweeps / debris pickups. They are simply asked to make sure organic debris only is moved to the curbside (without blocking sidewalks or driveways) prior to their City Council Zone’s scheduled dates.

To find which City Council Zone you live in, visit https://cosmo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/InformationLookup/index.html?appid=5723eb98cc0c4e9da2b29c90a91d0233.

Important Notes for Residents wanting Debris Removed in August and September:

• Only natural/organic vegetative debris will be collected (limbs, branches, brush).

• No registration is needed for pickup.

• Debris should be placed at the curb or nearest accessible location, without blocking sidewalks or driveways.

• Debris must be ready by 7 a.m. on the first day of your City Council Zone’s scheduled pickup week.

This effort is part of the City’s ongoing response to the April 29 and June 19 storms, which caused widespread tree damage and infrastructure impacts across Springfield.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit www.CleanGreenSGF.com.

Questions? Call the Citizen Resource Center at 417-864-1010 or email [email protected]. 

 
# # #

For media information, contact Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].