Beach and park cleanups begin today in Lynn, Nahant and Revere beaches

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) holds is second annual Park Serve Day with cleanups and other projects slated at beaches and parks.Among the project sites are King’s Beach in Lynn, Long Beach at the Nahant Beach Reservation, and Revere Beach, according to DCR spokesman Lisa Capone. The Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach will meet at the Ward Bath House at the beginning of the Nahant Causeway at 9 a.m.Hundreds of volunteers have signed up to participate in more than 50 projects, such as picking up litter along hiking trails and ocean beaches, painting lifeguard facilities and planting flowers at picnic areas.Last year, 1,330 volunteers participated in a variety of volunteer activities at 51 parks, beaches, and forests across the state, said Capone, noting that a total of 4,655 hours of effort resulted in the planting of 580 trees and flowers and the hauling away of 48.6 tons of trash.”This overwhelming response shows how Massachusetts residents value their state parks and are willing to join in the shared stewardship of these important natural, cultural, and recreational resources,” she said.Gov. Deval Patrick praised the effort, adding, “Parks, beaches, and forests are the jewels of the commonwealth, and they belong to all of us. I’m thrilled that so many of our citizens are taking ownership of these treasures and are ready to pitch in and help get them ready for spring.”According to Capone, Park Serve Day is intended to supplement unprecedented efforts by DCR to improve conditions at these facilities for the coming season. These efforts include improving curb appeal of the parks and hiring contractors to help with mowing, cleaning, and weed control; testing new trash barrel covers at several beaches to prevent garbage spilling and gull scavenging; and developing public maintenance schedules for each park, beach, and parkway that will include tasks such as mowing, weeding, picking up litter, cleaning the beaches and restrooms, and inspecting playgrounds.”The professionals at DCR have an ambitious plan for getting our parks shipshape this spring, and they need our help,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles. “The governor and I are hoping that everyone who loves these properties and facilities as much as we do will lend a hand.”DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to bring their own gloves or tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed, however.Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and consider bringing sunscreen and insect repellent. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied, though participants should feel free to bring their own food and water as well.To sign up for Park Serve Day, or to view a list of all the projects with any age restrictions and get directions to the park of your choice, go online to www.parkserveday.org.