The return of spring brings birds, blossoms, tree buds, and unfortunately, an entire season’s worth of roadside litter as the snow melts away…
The Question Is: What Can We Do About It?
Adopting a road is the answer, and the Town of Thompson is inviting individuals, businesses, organizations, neighborhood associations, and any other kind of group to join the movement for a #TrashFreeThompson.
The Town Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees the Adopt-a-Road program, has made it easy, fast, and free to get started. Just contact Parks & Rec to request the road you want to adopt, and you’ll get everything needed to start litter plucking. The following roads are available for 2024:
- Cimarron Road
- Dingle Daisy Road
- Haddock Road
- Harris Road
- Joyland Road
- Kaufman Road
- Kinnebrook Road
- Old Ryan Road
Parks & Rec Superintendent Glenn Somers also wants to remind folks that volunteers aren’t responsible for miles and miles of roadway. Roads are adopted in maximum two-mile increments, and many roads are much shorter than that.
“There’s another misconception that all the roads in Thompson are adopted…that’s not true at all. So many roads are waiting to be cared for. Just call us and we’ll let you know, “ added Somers.
Volunteers even receive a complimentary road sign proclaiming that their business, organization, or even their family has adopted a particular road.
However, if you ask anyone who has adopted a road, they’ll tell you the real rewards is the feeling that you get: of coming together to make Thompson a better place…
“I Take Pride in Thompson. It’s Where I Live and Work.”
As the Operations Manager of Thompson Sanitation, Krissy Walsh is in the business of waste removal. But her commitment to keeping Thompson clean goes beyond her job. On weekends, you might find her picking up trash with her daughter Paige or organizing a community litter pluck.
“I take pride in Thompson. It’s where I live and work. I want everyone who enters Thompson to immediately know that many others take pride in this community, too. Keeping the roadsides clean sends a clear message about who we are as a town,” Krissy explained.
Krissy urges other businesses and even individuals to get involved with the Town of Thompson Adopt-a-Road program.
“It’s like that saying that ‘you eat with your eyes.’ You form impressions about a place by what you see. If you love where you live, adopting a road is a great way to show it,” added Krissy.
The Town of Thompson hopes that others follow Krissy’s lead and take ownership by cleaning up a particular road. That’s why the Town has streamlined the process of signing up – and picking up…
Litter Plucking Just a Few Times a Year…That’s All It Takes
“Yes, adopting a road is a commitment. But it doesn’t take as much time as you think. Plus, it’s a great way to get outdoors, exercise, and socialize,” explained Jamie Ferriero, who manages the Town Adopt-a-Road program.
The Town asks volunteers to litter pluck their road about four times a year, although the minimum requirement is two cleanups in a two-year period.
Jamie emphasized that the Town wants to make things easy on Adopt-a-Road volunteers. For example, the Town will pick up any large items like TVs or sofas, or any dangerous items, that have been illegally dumped.
The Town also provides free garbage bags. Once the bags are full, volunteers just leave them on the roadside, and call Parks & Rec to alert them that the bag are there.
Find Your Reason to Adopt a Road This Spring
After a long winter, many people are eager to get outdoors and enjoy socially distanced gatherings this spring. The Town hopes that their Adopt-a-Road program will appeal to groups of friends, neighbors, and coworkers who want a reason to come together – and to make a difference at the same time.
“Participating in the Adopt-a-Road program is also an excellent opportunity for students looking to gain community service credits. We provide a certificate of community service to any student who helps keep a roadside clean,” added Jamie Ferriero.
Ultimately, the Town of Thompson hopes that the Adopt-a-Road program will take off this spring. The goal? Every Town road that can be safely plucked will get adopted this year. If you’re inspired to make a difference in the place you call home, step up and adopt a road today!