Fox 10 Phoenix, October 20th, 2023
In a significant stride towards a cleaner and greener environment, Keep Tempe Beautiful, under the leadership of its founder Joe Forte, is organizing a massive cleanup at Papago Park, Tempe. This monumental effort is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This initiative isn’t just about beautifying Tempe but also about building bridges within the community. The event will see enthusiastic involvement from Tempe Union High School-based Key Clubs and the Kiwanis Club of Tempe.
“The idea is to bring the community together, to instill a sense of ownership and pride in our shared spaces,” said Joe Forte, Founder and Executive Director of Keep Tempe Beautiful.
Special recognition goes to the event’s Drink Sponsor, Tempe Sister Cities, and the Four Peaks Oktoberfest Production Team. In an exemplary gesture of community spirit, all remaining drinks from the recently concluded 50th anniversary Oktoberfest have been donated to this event.
Adding to the camaraderie, Extreme Terrain, as part of their Clean Trail Initiative Program, has come on board as the Snack Sponsor. Additionally, Keep Nature Wild will serve as the Swag Sponsor, ensuring that volunteers are rewarded with exciting goodies for their invaluable contribution.
But that’s not all. The cleanup is set to witness participation from some of Tempe’s most distinguished dignitaries. Among those expected are US Congressman Greg Stanton, City of Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, and City of Tempe Councilmembers Doreen Garlid, Berdetta Hodge, and Randy Keating. City of Tempe City Manager, Rosa Inchusti, will also be gracing the occasion.
Given the grand scale of the event, participants and attendees are encouraged to think sustainably. “We urge everyone to carpool, ride bikes, or use public transportation. Let’s not just clean our parks but also reduce our carbon footprint,” added Forte.
For those driving, overflow parking is available at the Arizona Heritage Center on College north of Curry, a stone’s throw away from the main event location.
All Tempe residents and well-wishers are cordially invited to be a part of this transformative initiative. And for those who attend, don’t forget to share your experiences and tag #keeptempebeautiful.
Together, we can and will make a difference!