Antioch launches monthly villagewide cleanup initiative

Residents are invited to "keep Antioch beautiful" by participating in a new villagewide cleanup project.

Antioch's parks and recreation department and the environmental commission have collaborated to designate the fourth Saturday of every month through October as Pride in Antioch Day.

"The idea is that it will build a momentum to get residents to help keep the community clean," said Shawn Roby, director of parks and recreation. "It's simply just a 'let's take pride in our community and get people involved.'"

The cleanup project began Memorial Day weekend, when eight members of village commissions and staff cleaned Antioch Manor at 445 Donin Drive, Roby said.

"A lot of people said that they heard about it, but were out of town for Memorial Day weekend," he said. "The idea is that residents bring two or three new people each month."

A new area is designated to clean every month from 9 a.m. to noon. A meet-and-greet is held before the cleanup at 8:30 a.m. at the Antioch Parks and Recreation Building at 806 Holbek Drive.

Roby said the goal is for enough residents to participate that they can focus on cleaning their own subdivision and major surrounding roads.

He said he designates the cleanup location based on reports he receives about areas that may need some work. He said he has not yet determined the June 21 cleanup location.

The commission supplies garbage bags, pickers to use for the day and gloves, but residents are encouraged to bring their own supplies, Roby said. For information, call parks and recreation at (847) 395-2160.