Taking A Walk and Making a Difference with the DRC
Take a walk through Piatt Park with your dog, and if you don't have one, borrow a friend's. Grab a garbage bag and join your neighbors as we participate in the Great American Clean-Up. Do a little spring cleaning and find a good home for items you wish to donate.
The Downtown Residents Council is keeping busy this spring and summer. And, for the reader, there are many opportunities from which you can choose to participate. And, we are always open to suggestions on how we can better serve our downtown community.
Last summer, several dog owners commented that many of our downtown parks are not as pet-friendly as they could be. In looking around the central business district and riverfront, this is more than a fair assessment; dog friendly areas are few and far between. In the first phase of what is hoped to be several, the DRC has secured a few dog waste stations for residents and visitors to utilize when walking their pet. The first phase has taken place in Piatt Park, and Mutt Mitt dispensers with bags have been installed in each section of the park. These easy-to-use outposts are another way the DRC is trying to make our neighborhood more family and resident friendly. We hope to install additional stations at other downtown locations later in the year.
Throughout the country, Saturday, April 23rd has been designated as the date for the Great American Clean-Up. Living in an urban area should not excuse us from participating in this event. In conjunction with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, the DRC is co-sponsoring a downtown clean-up with the Court Street Area Team and representatives from D.C.I. Our focus on April 23 will be the Court Street area, and we plan to meet at the intersection of Court and Vine Streets at 10 A.M. Gloves and clean-up items will be provided, and the event should last no more than three hours. In the past, the DRC has initiated beautification projects at the foot of the Purple People Bridge, Piatt Park and with our neighbors in Over-The-Rhine. Join us on April 23rd, and bring with you ideas about future beautification programs.
Later this spring, the DRC will once again sponsor the DRC Spring Into Action clothing and household item drive. Last June, downtown residents made a big difference as our neighbors donated dress and casual clothing, household items and home goods which were then provided to several downtown outreach agencies. So, start boxing things up now, as the DRC will be announcing a date for this 2nd Annual Spring Into Action campaign soon.
The next DRC social will occur on Monday, April 4th at Kun Ying Thai Restaurant, 713 Vine Street, 6 PM. If this social is anything like the March 8th event at Artonomy, it is going to be a wonderful evening. The next DRC member meeting is Tuesday, April 12th at 6 PM, and we will be returning to our regular meeting location of the Main Branch of the Public Library, 800 Vine Street, Room 3A.
This summer, the Downtown Residents Council will be recognizing its 20th Anniversary, and with this celebration comes the roll-out of a unique DRC member benefit packet. Details coming soon.
DRC membership dues are just $15 for individuals or $20 per household, and $50 for businesses.