Downtown portion of Zumbro River waterfront to be cleaned September 7
Release Date: September 3, 2021
Media Contact: Katie Adelman
Rochester Downtown Alliance
Office: 507-216-9882
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Downtown portion of Zumbro River waterfront to be cleaned September 7
ROCHESTER, Minn.—The downtown portion of the Zumbro River will be cleaned September 7, thanks to a collaboration between the Rochester Downtown Alliance, Destination Medical Center, and the City of Rochester Community Action Team.
According to American Rivers, rivers provide two-thirds of the nation’s drinking water. However, debris and pollution can degrade the river’s safety and beauty.
“Riverfronts play a central role in the pedestrian life of many cities. We hope this is a first of many steps we can collectively take to reimagine the Zumbro as a unique asset for downtown,” said Holly Masek, RDA executive director.
Beginning at 9 a.m. September 7, the clean-up group will pick up litter and debris within the river and on the riverbanks in the RDA’s special service district. The RDA’s Clean and Safe Ambassadors will also remove graffiti and other markings on the river’s surrounding infrastructure. The planned clean-up will help preserve this local resource and draw attention to an underutilized waterfront feature.
“River clean-ups are a great way for the community to become reacquainted with their waterfront,” said Patrick Seeb, Destination Medical Center executive director.
From this initial clean-up, the Clean and Safe Ambassadors will create a baseline, monitor debris accumulation and graffiti recurrences, and determine a future cleaning schedule to maintain the Zumbro River as a Rochester asset.
The downtown Zumbro River clean-up project is funded by Destination Medical Center.
Should there be inclement weather September 7, the river clean-up rain date will be September 14.
About the Rochester Downtown Alliance
The Rochester Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit corporation comprised of a broad range of people representing property owners, business leaders, the city and others with a direct stake in enhanced business and economic development conditions in the downtown district. We work together to build a vibrant downtown community. We believe a strong core positively impacts the greater city of Rochester. Through a series of special events, activities, and initiatives, we create energy, excitement, and a unique character to Downtown Rochester, Minnesota.
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