WARREN - A large park off state Route 169 on the city's southeast side has received a fall ''makeover'' as more than 60 volunteers helped with a recent cleanup effort.
Members of the Warren Interfaith Community Action Committee were joined by representatives of Dollar General and other community members to clear debris and litter, place mulch around playground equipment, cut grass and trim trees and shrubs.
Walter Turner Sr., president of the Warren Interfaith Community Action Committee, said the park was in need of work and will now be used through the fall by the local children and residents.
Turner said the park dates back to the late 1960s and was once on land in Howland Township before being annexed into the city.
The 19-acre property includes swingsets, playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts and ballfields.
Turner said there are plans for a spring cleanup with the new swingsets and sandbox to be installed.
Dollar General District Manager Delinda Reiter presented a $160 donation to the park for new swingsets and Buckeye Bulk donated mulch. Lawnmowers were provided by Weed & Seed.
Reiter said the ''Buddy's Angels'' program through Dollar General has the store providing sponsors for the local children including back-to-school items and playground items and donation of time and work.
Volunteers Samantha Loth and Alex Corley wanted to provide assistance.
Corley said the park needed work from when they first saw it.
"It looked a lot different from what it looks like now,'' said Loth.
Reiter said she first noticed the park on her way to work.
"When I first saw the park, the grass was very high and work needed to be done,'' she said.
She spoke with Warren Councilman Cheryl Saffold about what could be done to help the park, and was told of the interfaith committee and contacted them on how they could help.
Reiter said volunteers arrived from the local store to work at the park.
Turner said in addition to the park, the committee also takes care of the Warren Interfaith Building on Burton Street where the group holds meetings.
A flea market fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13 at the park.
Turner said donations for the park may be sent the Warren Interfaith Committee, 2115 Stewart Drive N.W., Warren, OH 44485.