Parys has one of the most beautiful park-run routes. Sadly, the town has a serious litter problem–both in town and along the river.
With the 200th Parys parkrun celebra-tion coming up this weekend (Saturday 11 August), volunteers cleaned up along the route last week Thursday. The biggest problem seems to be the sections that run parallel to Grewar Avenue where garbage bags are often ripped apart close to the river bank.
The problem is worse in summer when revellers leave behind tons of cans and bottles after Friday night parties. Locals also make use of the area.
The town’s parkrun attracts many visitors over weekends. Some stay overnight, while others just come for the day. It has become a popular tourist attraction and is often people’s first impression of the town.

The municipality should therefor cut the long grass and bushes along the route more often, empty the garbage bins, and pick up litter. And then the challenge–stopping people from littering in the first place. Parys is a beautiful town, but the municipa-lity and residents should look after the town to ensure that visitors feel welcome at all times. Thanks to those who helped clean the route and to Stephen, who picks up litter every Saturday morning on the Mimosa side. He is the parkrun car guard.