Marquette Park adopts "Carry IN, Carry OUT"
Contributed By:The 411 News
Visitors asked to comply with city littering ordinance
In an effort to significantly reduce the amount of garbage that accumulates on the shoreline of Marquette Beach and in Lake Michigan, the City of Gary Parks Department has adopted a “Carry IN, Carry OUT” policy that will strictly enforce the city’s litter ordinance. The policy simply means what visitors bring into the park, visitors will take out when they leave.
Trash cans along the shoreline of the beach at Marquette have been removed and placed at the park entrances and exits.
“Fifty garbage bins and twenty-five recycling bins are at those designated points in Marquette Park,” said Parks Superintendent Nate George. “The Gary Beach Patrol will strictly enforce the policy, and ticket and fine visitors littering according to the City of Gary’s littering policy.”
The City of Gary follows many State and National Parks across the country that have implemented a version of “Carry IN, Carry OUT,” including parks in Ohio, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Washington DC. Those who have implemented a policy are reporting a significant reduction in the amount of waste in their respective parks, saving financial resources and allowing their parks employees to work on projects that focus on creating a better experience for visitors.
During the Memorial Day weekend, visitors to Marquette Park were asked to dispose of trash when they left the beach. The City will make trash bags available on site for patrons who need them. Ticket takers will supply trash bags when patrons pay to park.
The goal of “Carry IN, Carry OUT” is to provide a pleasing beach experience without the eyesore of pollution. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said, “We are working hard in our blight elimination efforts to rid our city of debris that is a direct contribution to the quality of our air, our drinking water, the impact on wildlife and to the amount of pollution that enters Lake Michigan. “Carry IN, Carry OUT” is a win-win; for our city workers and for all who come to enjoy our beautiful lakefront.”
The new policy will reduce the amount of stinging insects, rodents, and other wildlife drawn to the open barrels, and will also allow City of Gary employees to spend more time improving other areas of Marquette Park.
Story Posted:06/03/2018
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