Before the weekend ends – one last event report: Results of the Fairmount Ravine community cleanup. Again this year, we have the wrapup from John Lang, who is handing over the job of coordination from hereon out.
The 24th annual Fairmount Ravine Cleanup was a success on Saturday 3/12. Thank you to the 18 hardworking volunteers of all ages who participated; most of the group removed trash under the Admiral bridge, primarily the west side, and six others removed invasive ivy from the mature trees. The morning started damp but Mother Earth must have been pleased with the community’s effort because the cleanup ended in sunshine.
(WSB photo: Volunteers cleaning under the bridge)
The weather-protected area under the bridge continues to attract the homeless and partyers. It is the Admiral district’s version of the Jungle. They bring third-world sanitation with them as all their garbage is thrown downhill. Between 80-90 large garbage bags were filled with trash! This includes a couple hundred beer bottles, many broken, large furniture, broken bicycles etc. There was enough to fill up the DOC flatbed truck twice. We post signs a week in advance warning that the area will be cleaned and to have personal possessions removed.(WSB photo: John Lang & Officer Flores)
Once again, we appreciate participation by [Community Police Team] officers Jon Flores and Kevin McDaniel, with the Seattle Police Department, providing security and helping with traffic control. Three cheers to our local merchants, Metropolitan Market and Starbucks, for their generous support of this community effort.Thank you to everyone who made this year’s cleanup a success. A special shout out to Matt Algieri, who is taking over leadership of this annual event. The Fairmount Ravine cleanup is a great example of community pride and putting into action the teamwork necessary to tackle a difficult situation to generate positive results.
Not sure where Fairmount Ravine is? It goes beneath the Admiral Way Bridge, between Admiral and East Alki (here’s a map).
ADDED MONDAY: John just sent word that the total weight of what they picked up was 3,740 pounds … close to two tons.
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