On behalf of Friends of the Eastern Promenade, I wanted to thank the partners, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the recent success of the 24th annual “April Stools Day” at the Eastern Promenade and at other regional parks and green spaces.

For almost a quarter of a century, residents from across Portland and surrounding communities have joined forces in late April to clear our treasured public spaces of a winter’s buildup of rubbish, refuse and canine “leavings” – and to prepare them for the brilliant summer to come. This year, over 70 volunteers participated in the event, filling dozens of bags with a truly astounding variety and quantity of accumulated waste.

Friends of the Eastern Promenade extends our heartfelt gratitude to all of these volunteers, including the hardworking groups from Southern Maine Community College, the Southern Maine Landlord Association, AARP, the Portland Police Department and Centerpoint Church. We are also deeply thankful for the backing of our local program sponsors, Fish & Bone and Pet Life, for the steadfast support of the city of Portland and for the collaboration of the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization.

Year after year, this event reminds us of the great things we can accomplish when we all – neighbors, nonprofits, businesses, government – join hands, leverage strengths and work together for the common good.

Matthew Kennedy

president, Friends of the Eastern Promenade

Portland