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Second annual downtown river clean-up planned for July 1

Release Date: June 24, 2022

Media Contact: Katie Adelman
Rochester Downtown Alliance
Office: 507-216-9886
Email: kadelman@downtownrochestermn.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Second annual downtown river clean-up planned for July 1

ROCHESTER, Minn.—Downtown Rochester’s Clean and Safe Ambassadors will be jumping in once again to clean the downtown portion of the Zumbro River July 1.

The event marks the second anniversary of the Clean and Safe Ambassador Program, which launched in July 2020 with support from the downtown special service district, Mayo Clinic, and the City of Rochester.

Beginning at 9 a.m. July 1, members of the Clean and Safe Ambassador team and Rochester Downtown Alliance staff will be removing debris and graffiti from the downtown portion of the Zumbro River and along the river’s banks, thanks to a collaboration between RDA, the City of Rochester, and Litter Bit Better.

“This was a highlight of the summer for many of us and a great reminder of what an underappreciated asset the Zumbro River is downtown,” said Holly Masek, RDA executive director. “We hope this cleanup inspires residents to head down to the river and enjoy its paths and parks.”

Last fall when the group first cleaned the river and its banks, they collected the following:

  • Twenty bags worth of litter
  • Fifty-two golf balls
  • Large debris like a rusty bike, metal fence posts, and welding equipment

In case of inclement weather July 1, the river clean-up date will be July 8 at the same time.

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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