MOSQUITO CREEK Organizers are pleased by volunteers' cleanup efforts

Another cleanup day is set for 9 a.m. July 23.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- What organizers thought may take a few summers could be complete by this year.
First Ward Councilman Frank Fuda said the turnout by volunteers Saturday to clear a portion of Mosquito Creek near Kennedy Park far exceeded organizers' expectations.
"I'm just amazed at how much work everyone was able to get done in such a short amount of time," Fuda said.
More than 20 volunteers from throughout Niles and McKinley Heights came prepared with saws, scythes and other tools to clean vegetation and other debris from the creek. In a little less than five hours, the crews had the first phase of the cleanup complete, Fuda said.
"When I first looked at the area and what needed to be done, I figured it might take a few years," he said. "But with the work that's done already, we could be done by the end of this summer."
Fuda and former political rival Dave Wilkerson -- who also sought the 1st Ward seat last year -- agreed last fall to work together organizing the cleanup. The plan is to clear out a large enough section to install a wooden dock to allow for fishing and canoe access.
The area is near Fairhaven School, where Kennedy Park also features playground equipment, baseball fields and basketball courts.
Eventually volunteers plan to clean the creek from U.S. Route 422 to the downtown area behind Niles McKinley High School.
To clear trees
This week, some of the organizers plan to take a kayak down the creek with state Sen. Marc Dann of Liberty, D-32nd, to view trees that are downed in the water, Fuda said. Fuda hopes Dann will be able to help volunteers and organizers find equipment that will clear the trees.
"If not, we have people ready to get in there with their chain saws," he said.
In the meantime, another cleanup day is set for 9 a.m. July 23. Volunteers are asked to meet at Kennedy Park, Fuda said.
Already, the Niles McKinley football team has agreed to help, he said. But other volunteers are always needed.
"It's a Friday, but maybe there are some people who will be off work and willing to help out," he said.
Anyone interested in volunteering to clean up the creek can contact Fuda at (330) 652-0775 or the city's Parks and Recreation Department at (330) 544-9000, Ext. 175.
slshaulis@vindy.com