Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association

MLK clean-up results in new ‘park’

Jul 31, 2006

The MLK enhancement continues to evolve. For those of you not acquainted with our project, it is located on the east side of MLK from Clarkson to Madison. Originally, the entire area was filled with scrub brush, trees and debris. Our project was started to address dumping and trash along this street.

The first LBNA clean-up six years ago netted over 40 bags of trash and countless piles of dumped items. We then partnered with Pat Kozitza, Deputy Director of Des Moines Public Works (and LBNA member) to see if we could start clearing the scrub brush and trees. The Des Moines Forestry Dept. provided the expertise and heavy removal. We turned to Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly for funding and were awarded Polk County Community Betterment Grants.

It was decided that the project should move toward completion due to the upcoming Trestle to Trestle Trail and Tai Village project. The Des Moines/Polk County partnership coordinated the effort. The land was cleared and grading was done to enhance drainage. Next up is seeding, fencing and tree planting, resulting in a great low-maintenance ?‘park.?’