BeautifYpsi, the Ypsilanti Spring Cleanup Day, will take place on Sunday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m across downtown Ypsilanti, Depot Town, and West Cross Street.
EMU, EMU Engage, and GameAbove partner with the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Downtown Association of Ypsilanti (DAY) to host the biannual event to clean up the community.
“This is an event hosted by downtown business owners,” Chao Sun, vice president of GameAbove, said. "Volunteers consist of community members, families, and students."
Trash disposal consists of volunteers in each zone picking up trash, sweeping, taking care of sharp objects, tending to flower beds, and more. Supplies are provided with the support of the Ypsilanti DDA.
“DDA has pledged $1,000 to support the purchase of cleanup supplies and equipment,” Sun said. “Volunteers registered before April 12 will be provided a free t-shirt, and treats and hot chocolate will be available.”
Ypsilanti cleanups are twice a year, with a good turnout for each event depending on the weather.
“The turnout depends on the weather as we’ve had ups and downs,” Sun said. “We expect 50-60 people to show up, but we’re preparing for 100 since we cover three different locations. We have a backup date for May 1 if the weather does not permit.”
GameAbove is an EMU alumni-led team that helps and supports current and future EMU students by creating initiatives to advance education and fund assistance programs and organizations within the Ypsilanti community.
“We want our investment to go into the community and EMU,“ Sun said. "We are a bridge between the community and EMU; we come together and make a connection. The ultimate goal is to make the city walkable, clean, and engage the community in their efforts to make the face of Ypsilanti the best it can be.”
Volunteers are encouraged to stay from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but it is a come-and-go event as people switch in and out after a task is complete. Those interested in volunteering can register until April 23.
