Cranford Heritage Riverwalk Group Unveils Schedule Of Cleanups

CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford Heritage Corridor Riverwalk Committee will host a cleanup the second Saturday of each month, and invites volunteers of all ages to participate.

The cleanups will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., weather permitting, but will stop in the coldest months (December through February).

The group held its first cleanup in months recently after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The dates are:

• Oct. 10
• Nov. 14
• March 13, 2021
• April 10, 2021
• May 8, 2021
• June 12, 2021
• July 10, 2021
• Aug. 14, 2021

Volunteers are to report to either the intersection of South Avenue and Lincoln Park East in Cranford, known as the Heritage Plaza, or behind Droescher's Mill on Lincoln Park East, also in Cranford.

The committee noted, "The Cranford Heritage Riverwalk, a part of the Union County parks system, is as old as Cranford itself. Committee members are calling upon people within the community to come forward and help revitalize this area so it becomes a focus of celebration once again. In particular, the Riverwalk Committee hopes that this space will become a central focus of Cranford’s 150th anniversary in 2021."

They added, "Participants both young and old can report to the volunteer stations located on either end of the Riverwalk and offer their time and energy to contribute. Tasks such as mulching, weeding, clearing the pathway and more are constant needs."

As far as coronavirus precautions, "Volunteers are asked to wear masks while the COVID-19 pandemic is still occurring. They are also asked to bring work gloves and any gardening tools that may help in this effort."

History

The group noted, "The Cranford Heritage Plaza and Riverwalk Committee was envisioned in 1971 by a former Cranford High School teacher and township historian, the late Laurence Fuhro. Since that time, a group of dedicated volunteers have taken up the mantle in an effort to see the Riverwalk re-established and become a central part of the Cranford community. The Cranford Heritage Corridor, part of the Rahway River Parkway, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, is a 210-acre recreational area that spans across Cranford’s most recognizable landmarks along the Rahway River."

The group posts updates on Facebook.

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