The Cordova Department of Parks and Recreation is encouraging residents to be mindful of litter in town, especially as staffing levels have decreased in recent years.
The reminder comes after employees happened upon trash surrounding the Fisherman’s Memorial recently.
“Our maintenance team cares deeply about this community,” Parks and Recreation Director Samantha Hagerthy-Schneider told The Cordova Times. “While litter and trash are a reality of maintaining public spaces, it is always disappointing to see areas that have been cleaned and cared for left with garbage or household waste.”
Community compliance is especially important now, as staffing levels have decreased in recent years. The department used to operate with three full-time staffers and one seasonal employee, but due to budget constraints Parks and Recreation now has just two full-time employees and zero seasonal workers, according to Hagerthy-Schneider. The team is also currently taking on major projects, including repairing the Bob Korn Memorial Swimming Pool and rebuilding Skaters’ Cabin.
Litter is not necessarily a major issue in town, according to Hagerthy-Schneider, who said it just happens “from time to time.”
But, she said “while the vast majority of residents and visitors are respectful of public spaces, litter and improperly disposed trash can impact the appearance of parks, trails, and recreation facilities and create additional work for maintenance crews.”
Hagerthy-Schneider added that trash bags left beside bins and litter left behind can also be problematic since they attract bears and other wildlife.
Residents should dispose of their trash in dumpsters around town, or the baler facility for larger items.
“We hope people realize how much pride our staff takes in their work,” Hagerthy-Schneider said. “They genuinely care about Cordova and work hard every day to make it a beautiful place to live and visit.”
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