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Newmarket's community cleanup targeted 21 hotspots for tidying up

Newmarket Public Library, Fairy Lake Park, Dave Kerwin Trail, and more were beautified by local residents
20200701 newmarket community cleanup
Members of Newmarket's Lions Club picked up debris on Main Street during the Town of Newmarket's physically distanced community cleanup June 27 and 28. Greg King for NewmarketToday

Newmarket’s enduring spring community cleanup last weekend forged on, even if the coronavirus crisis forced residents to participate separately a little later than usual.

“My father (Tom Taylor, a former Newmarket mayor) started this cleanup with a group of people over 40 years ago and I was able to be out, once again, with him picking up garbage along the Holland River,” Mayor John Taylor said. “Many residents were out with their families like I was, and I want to thank everyone for taking such pride in our community and for participating each year.”

“I hope to see everyone again next year and, hopefully, in person,” Taylor said.

About 200 cleanup kits designed for one person were picked up at the town office by residents for the June 27 and 28 event. The kits included two garbage bags, one recycling bag, one pair of protective gloves, instructions and safety tips.

All materials were provided with the support of the Chris Cartwright real estate team, Cintas, and Wolfpack.

Despite the ongoing public health measures surrounding COVID-19, including physical distancing and limits on social gatherings, some residents shared positive feedback about the annual event and noted they were pleased it was permitted to continue, a town spokesperson said.

High school students were also thankful to be able to earn volunteer hours as they have found it difficult to find volunteer opportunities to complete their requirements during the last few months of the pandemic, noted the spokesperson.

More than 20 parks and greenspaces were targeted for tidying up across Newmarket, including:

  • Hollingsworth Arena (35 Patterson St.)
  • Old Town Hall (460 Botsford St.)
  • Newmarket Public Library (438 Park Ave.)
  • Fairy Lake Park (520 Water St.)
  • South end of Tom Taylor Trail, near Foxtail Ridge
  • Arnhem Park (595 Mulock Court)
  • Best Family Parkette (Best Circle)
  • College Manor Park (705 College Manor Dr.)
  • Bonshaw Avenue Park (130 Bonshaw Ave.)
  • Environmental Park (Woodspring Ave.)
  • Frank Stronach Park (Memorial Circle)
  • George Richardson Park (Bayview Parkway)
  • Haskett Park (145 Millard Ave.)
  • Keffer Parkette (110 Keffer Circle)
  • Lions Park (424 D'Arcy St.)
  • Proctor Park (277 Primrose Lane)
  • Rene Bray Park (1030 Ivsbridge Blvd.)
  • Woodland Hills Labyrinth Park (45 Ford Wilson Blvd.)
  • Marilyn Powell Park (435 London Rd.)
  • Dave Kerwin Trail (Woodspring Ave.)
  • Charles Van Zant Open Space (205 Waratah Ave.)