Hosted by Ward 5 Councilman Chris Paplauskas, approximately 55 people turned out on April 23 for a clean-up at Meshanticut State Park. After several dreary days, the weather was perfect and the community came out in strong numbers to help.

“I'm overwhelmed by the turnout from our great community that rolled up their sleeves and got to work to help make the park clean,” said Paplauskas.

Along with Paplauskas were volunteers from neighbors and city residents to the Cranston Police Explorers and members of the Police Department, Cranston West Lacrosse Team, CLCF Lacrosse, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the Cranston Fire Department and the Cranston Republican City Committee.

In all, approximately 25 to 30 bags of trash were picked up including glass bottles, aluminum cans, fishing tackle, fishing line, Styrofoam cups, candy wrappers and plastic bottles of all shapes and sizes.

"I'm humbled by the turnout to help clean up the park, this was the second annual clean-up I had the opportunity organize and I couldn't be happier,” said Paplauskas. “Everyone worked so hard to pick up all the litter and debris scattered across the more the 12-acre property. I just want to thank everyone involved that helped make this such a success, we truly are making Cranston better together."