Spring Clean-Up & Celebration
Spring was in the air as the District 4 community came together on a record-breaking warm Saturday, March 21, 2026, for the Spring Clean-Up & Celebration at the Deerfield Hills Community Center. Powered by the staff of Deerfield Hills Community Center, Longmire Community Engagement, Hey Neighbor, Solid Rock CDC, and the Southeast Food Coalition, the event showcased the power of community pride and collaboration.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., more than 140 neighbors joined in the festivities, connecting with one another and giving back to their shared spaces. City officials, including District 4 City Councilmember Kimberly Gold and School District Two Board Director Emily Tamayo, were also in attendance, mingling with residents and celebrating alongside the community.
Community in Action
The day kicked off early, with Deerfield Hills Community Center staff beginning to set up as early as 7:00 AM. From organizing volunteers and managing traffic to overseeing activities and cleanup, their dedication kept the event running smoothly from start to finish.
Residents of the 80916 area took full advantage of the free dumpster service, with over 33 vehicles contributing to the effort filling two dumpsters. This collective effort made a visible impact in keeping our neighborhood clean and welcoming.
Entertainment & Engagement
Longmire Community Engagement ensured a lively atmosphere with music, announcements, and seamless coordination of event logistics. Their expertise in planning, communication, and programming helped create an enjoyable and well-organized experience for all.
The Millennial Allstars Dance Group brought high-energy performances that had the crowd clapping, dancing, and cheering. Families gathered to support these talented young performers, adding to the joyful spirit of the day.
Children also had plenty of fun with a bounce house and table activities that kept smiles going all afternoon.
Attendees were treated to delicious food thanks to a partnership with Lil Howard’s BBQ. All of the guests and volunteers enjoyed pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, chips, and sodas free of charge made possible through the generous fundraising efforts of Deerfield Hills Community Center.
Growing Together
Southeast Food Coalition hosted a Seed & Plant Giveaway along with a gardening workshop, empowering attendees with knowledge and resources to grow their own food. Community members of all ages were excited to learn sustainable gardening practices and connect with nature.
Solid Rock CDC showcased its innovative AquaPod aquaponic system, distributing over 100 heads of fresh lettuce. This cutting-edge approach to food production highlights ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in the southeast and promote healthy living in our community.
Neighborhood Pride
Hey Neighbor Community Coordinator Lelia Gibson-Green organized two dedicated clean-up crews that worked along Deerfield Hills Road, collecting debris, clearing sidewalks, and improving shared spaces. Volunteers included Hey Neighbor Staff/ four Neighborhood Leaders, Deerfield Hills Staff, candidate for HD-17, Chauncey Johnson, School District 11 Board of Director Charles Johnson, residents, and community partners, all working side by side.
Special thanks to Jerry Cordova from COS Enterprises/Stormwater Department, who provided supplies like trash bags, gloves, and grabbers, and to neighbors who went the extra mile, even hauling away trash with personal vehicles.
Looking Ahead
The success of this event showed the power of teamwork and community spirit. Together, we built stronger connections, created a cleaner environment, and made lasting memories.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Spring Clean-Up & Celebration. See you there!
“Teamwork makes the dream work!”
