Community Beach & Park Cleanup

Oak & Harbor Integral Wellness is organizing a free community cleanup at Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park & Beach in Newport News on Saturday, June 27, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, one week before Independence Day. This small local beach and park have seen months of trash, debris, and seaweed buildup, and with city approval, we are inviting volunteers to help restore the space so families, neighbors, and visitors can enjoy it safely for the holiday weekend.

Volunteers should check in at the shelter table closest to the beach when they arrive to recieve equipment and direction. Check-in times are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Please bring your own cleanup equipment if available, including iron rakes, shovels, buckets, trash grabbers, work gloves, heavy-duty trash bags (clear), and sunscreen. Cold water will be provided during the whole duration of the event. Some supplies will be available for volunteer use, but bringing your own tools will help us cover more ground. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing, closed-toe shoes or boots, and anything needed for sun, sand, heat, and shoreline conditions.

As a thank-you, free hamburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, and drinks will be provided for all volunteers, with food ready around 11:00 AM. Volunteers must be wearing the wristbands given to them upon checking in to recieve the food.

Families are welcome, but children should remain supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Volunteers should avoid sharp objects, medical waste, unstable shoreline areas, and heavy debris unless directed by the organizer. Come ready to serve and help give this overlooked community space the care it deserves.

*** If you and others you know wish to volunteer and serve, please sign up here through this Eventbrite posting so we can have an approximate headcount for food preparation. ***

Thank you, and see you there!