TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Melvin Racelis, Acting Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Roseann Otis, Administrative Assistant - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
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World Cleanup Day Community Cleanup Program
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Receive the information and provide feedback regarding the development of an annual World Cleanup Day event focused on City-owned and City-maintained parks and trails
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
World Cleanup Day is an international initiative that brings volunteers, community organizations, businesses, and governments together to remove litter from public spaces. The United Nations has designated September 20 as World Cleanup Day, to be observed annually.
The City of Murrieta (City) Community Services Department is exploring a local World Cleanup Day event beginning September 20, 2026. The event would provide residents, businesses, schools, service organizations, and other community partners with an opportunity to participate in coordinated cleanup projects on City property.
The proposed program supports community engagement, environmental stewardship, and beautification. It also advances the City Council’s Tier 3 priority for “Regular Community Cleanup Events” and aligns with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Implementation Action ROS-A5, which encourage volunteer involvement in beautification, cleanup, and trail maintenance.
Preliminary Event Framework
Staff is considering the following preliminary framework:
• Date: September 20 annually.
• Locations: City-owned or City-maintained parks and trails selected based on litter accumulation, maintenance priorities, accessibility, and volunteer safety.
• Projects: Litter removal and other appropriate cleanup activities identified by City staff.
• Volunteer registration: Participants would sign a City volunteer waiver before beginning work.
• Partnerships: Staff would seek participation and potential sponsorships from local businesses, schools, service clubs, and community organizations.
• Outreach: A program flyer, City website information, social media, and partner outreach would be used to recruit volunteers.
• Volunteer support: Staff would provide instructions, safety information, cleanup supplies, water, and light snacks, subject to available resources.
Staff would review each location before the event. Volunteers would be instructed not to handle hazardous materials, medical waste, unidentified substances, or sharp objects and to report these items to staff.
Commission Feedback
Staff is seeking Commission feedback regarding:
• Potential City parks and trails for cleanup.
• Potential community partners and sponsors.
• Volunteer recruitment and public outreach.
• Opportunities to establish the event as an annual community tradition.
Following the discussion, staff would coordinate with affected City departments to identify locations, responsibilities, and resource needs and prepare outreach materials.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving this information. If the program moves forward, expenses may include cleanup supplies, waste disposal, outreach materials, water, and refreshments. Staff would seek sponsorships and in-kind contributions and identify available departmental funding. Any request for additional funding would be brought forward through the appropriate budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
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