'Meet us in the ... improved parks'.

• Position: Coulter

Forty-two years ago, Earth Day was established to create awareness and appreciation of our natural resources. Celebrated on April 22, Earth Day has evolved from a day, to a week and now to a month! This month, the National Parks and Recreation Association has begun a campaign to improve local parks and the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department is following suit.

Over the past year, our department has initiated a variety of projects meant to improve our local parks, and we wanted to share these exciting changes with you while asking for your support as we move forward.

Philbin Memorial Park

(Acre Playground)

Over the past year, we have made some safety and cosmetic improvements to the Acre Park, which includes leveling of the parking area, formation of a new retaining wall and removal of some large stones near the play structure. Furthermore, we completed the scheduled maintenance on the structure while adding certified playground woodchips to the surrounding area and had a playground inspector evaluate our equipment.

Over the next year, we hope to make improvements to the basketball court to include new backboards and surface painting as there is none currently, as well as repair the splash pad.

Central Park

Perhaps the most beloved park by Clinton residents, this park is steeped in history and tradition. Over the past couple of years, our department has been working to repaint the fountain, installing electrical outlets around the park and overall improving the atmosphere for park-goers. This spring, we are starting a new project, by replacing the fencing surrounding the park. This project will beautify the park's overall appearance and also give residents a unique opportunity to support the project.

Donors to this project will be recognized on plaques mounted on the fence posts bordering the park. If you wish to secure a plaque on one of the 166 available fence posts, please contact the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department as soon...