Round two of Decatur's Dearborn Park cleanup competition

By Ty Tagami

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Despite the economic downturn, the organizers of what is becoming an annual park cleanup in Decatur are again offering cash to inspire volunteers.

Last year, Decatur-based Renewal Construction Co. gave $1,000 to the team that uprooted the most ivy, privet and kudzu from Decatur's Dearborn Park.

On Saturday, the company will again partner with Decatur and DeKalb County to host the competition, dubbed Park Renewal Day. Community members and officials from both governments will judge competing teams' plots. Renewal is donating a total of $2,100 to be divided among the winner and four runner-up teams, according to the event Web site, www.ParkRenewalDay.com. Last year, the event attracted 145 volunteers, and the winners donated their prize money to charity.

There will be food and entertainment after the competition, which is scheduled to finish around noon. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Saturday at the park, located at the intersection of Midway Road and Deerwood Drive on Decatur's southeast side. For more information, call DeKalb County's Parks & Recreation Department at 404-371-2990 or visit the event Web site.