ST. PAUL, Minn.–Following efforts by six Lowertown Clean Up Crews in 2018, community members and businesses have made a positive impact on Mears Park and the Lowertown neighborhood in St. Paul. Organized by SPIRE Credit Union, volunteer crews have met in Mears Park once a month starting in May to pick up trash throughout Lowertown.
After the last crew of 2018 wrapped up on Sunday, neighborhood residents, community leaders, SPIRE staff, and other businesses collected more than 580 pounds of trash and donated a total of 135 volunteer hours.
During its second year, the Lowertown Clean Up Crew caught the attention of the St. Paul City Council and local television station WCCO-TV for bringing together the community and local businesses to help keep the Lowertown area a beautiful urban destination.
“Lowertown and Mears Park offer a unique small-town feel in the middle of Downtown St. Paul,” stated SPIRE Director of Business Development Rachael Reiling, “We are so proud to be part of the community effort to keep Lowertown a clean and safe area for all to enjoy.”