City of Riverside Park Adopted by Inland Empire Waterkeeper
Published: 4/17/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2024
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
Matt Sylvester
Communications Director
714-345-8051
City of Riverside Park Adopted by Inland Empire Waterkeeper
Group aims to restore Santa Ana River and promote outdoor recreation
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Inland Empire Waterkeeper, a nonprofit organization preserving local water quality, has adopted Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park in partnership with the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department.
Waterkeeper is dedicated to stewarding the park to protect the Santa Ana River that flows along its northern edge. Its ongoing restoration efforts include hosting a volunteer-powered trash cleanup in the park on the third Saturday of every month. To register as a volunteer for this Saturday’s (4/20) Earth Day River Cleanup, go to iewaterkeeper.org.
Participants work together to remove debris from the riverbed and its surroundings before the pollution can enter and harm the river. In its first three monthly cleanups of 2024, Waterkeeper has removed over 1,600 pounds of trash from the park.
“Adopting Martha McLean is a promise to keep it clean, along with the Santa Ana River,” said Johanna Ramos, program director at Inland Empire Waterkeeper. “We love seeing local community members engage with the river, and we hope by adopting the park we can reach even more Inland Empire families,”
Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park is one of several popular recreation sites along the Santa Ana River. Through restoration and numerous other programs, Waterkeeper works to safeguard the Santa Ana River for the Inland Empire community and the species that call the river home.
The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department supports Waterkeeper’s restoration work at Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park through donated supplies and consistent communication. After volunteers remove debris, the City’s Parks Maintenance staff ensures it is safely removed and disposed of off-site. The City also provides trash bags, gloves, and portable restrooms to cleanup participants.
The adoption of Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park is a testament to Waterkeeper’s and the City’s commitment to public access, community engagement, and equitable recreation, said Anthony Zamora, Deputy Director at the Parks Recreation Community Services Department.
“Today marks a significant milestone for our community,” Zamora said. “This partnership exemplifies our city's commitment to nurturing green spaces where families can gather, children can play, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature right in the heart of our city. Our collaboration with IE Waterkeeper is just the start to rebuilding our City’s beautiful historical parks.”
-30-
