Clean Up The Way
Image taken from http://www.thequeensway.org/jeff-liao-gallery
A couple of weeks ago the Friends of The QueensWay, with the help of NYC’s Parks Department hosted a cleanup of the portion of the Way that runs through Forest Park. Dozens of volunteers from all parts of the surrounding community came to join us in our effort to beautify the abandoned and heavily forested rail line.
For hours we worked under a hot sun picking up garbage and clearing a path to make this little known area of Forest Park more accessible. We commented on the graffiti that lined the trestles and the wall that marked the boundary of the old rail line. Volunteers took home old Souvenirs, small parts of the Rail Road that had fallen off the tracks ages ago.
Collapsed rail towers dotted the landscape, marking the years gone by. One, still standing, perhaps a testament to human engineering, clashed against the lush greenery that surrounded us.
Volunteers conversed with one another as they collected garbage in large heavy duty plastic bags. Older and younger people, who would normally not talk with one another talked about the day, the interesting things they found and called out when they spotted some more. Some of the more eager volunteers stuffed there bags until they were so heavy that one person could no longer lift them.
As the day winded down we carried out booty to where we started. A lone garbage truck sat ready to haul and transport our day’s work off to a place where it would be better suited. We drank water, munched on granola bars and discussed the days events. Some by passers saw what we were doing and thought it good to sign up, in case they could make it to out next clean up.
Soon we started to depart. The cardboard signs directing people were taken down and the Friends of the QueensWay banner rolled up and put away. Nothing was left and there was no marker that we were there. For anyone who walks in that part of Forest Park they might realize that somethings missing, their path looks greener, and actually quite pristine. The trash is gone.