LYNN — The Flax Pond Association has purchased and donated eight new trash barrels to the city to be placed around the Flax Pond park, encouraging others to utilize them rather than litter.
These new, heavy-duty, steel-drum trash barrels with lids were placed around the park by the Department of Public Works (DPW) — which partnered with the Flax Pond Association on this project — on Monday.
The DPW will be maintaining the new barrels and emptying them as they become filled with trash at the playground.
“With the addition of the new barrels, we hope to help keep the playground clean for families and neighbors to enjoy,” said Katie Gallo, recording secretary of the Flax Pond Association.
The barrels read “DPW” and “Flax Pond Association” on them; the barrels were stenciled by Lynn business Full Color Signs & Graphics.
The idea for the new barrels stemmed from board member Charlie Gallo, who highlighted the rusted condition of the old barrels and expressed the need for new ones. The board then voted to use its funds to purchase new barrels, working with the DPW during the entire process.
“We thank Lisa Nerich and the DPW for partnering with us,” said Leslie Cole, corresponding secretary and treasurer of the Flax Pond Association. “The DPW has been awesome.”
The Flax Pond Association is a community nonprofit that has been around since 2012; it focuses on cleaning and maintaining the Flax Pond area.
The Association receives funds for purchases such as the barrels from donations and membership dues, as well as fundraisers at the park that include trivia night and cookouts. The Association also hosts park clean ups, having done a few in the spring, and is currently planning the next one.
The Association was founded by Kevin Cole, who served as president for a few years and is now a board member. Cole’s daughter, Megan Gonzalez, is now the president.
Other members of the association include board members Erica Baker, Bill Donahue, Maria Frayler, Paul Petrowski, and Mo Richard.
For more information, the Flax Pond Association can be found on Facebook and Instagram or by email at [email protected].
The Association will hold a general meeting in the fall, with a date to be determined, and is always welcoming new members to join.
