by Kelsey Penrose

On Saturday morning, dozens of community members braved the clouds and rain to come together in a grass-roots effort to clear the Saliman walking path of torn landscaping cloth and debris.

The Project, named the Saliman Road Walking Path Beautification Project, was led by Mike and Mary Kaye Raponi, and was undertaken with the support of the Carson City’s Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Departments.

Phase one of two of the beautification project took place this morning, which included the community clean up. Volunteers of all ages took to the path and tore out landscape cloth, raked debris, and cleared the path.

The Raponis and Parks and Recreation Volunteer coordinator Amy Bridghum both stated they were so grateful to all of the volunteers who spent their Saturday morning working together to make their community a bit more beautiful.

Among the community members who got their hands dirty were Carson City Supervisor Lisa Schuette and Nevada Assemblyman P.K. O’Neill.

“When there’s a good idea, people will come forward to help make it happen,” said Schuette. “This is really inspiring; I’m so grateful to how many people came out today to make this the walking path what it could be.”

Assemblyman O’Neill said its every elected official’s duty to help out in community projects.

He and his wife Nancy were the last volunteers on scene, helping to finish cleaning up with Parks and Rec.

“If you want to be involved in your community, if you want to represent your community, you’ve got to be with your community,” said O’Neill. “You don’t lead from behind.”

Phase two of the project includes fundraising for two benches to be installed along the path; the estimate cost for the benches, including installation is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $4,000.

Donations for the benches can be made to the Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation and ear-marked for the “Saliman Pathway Project.” Donations received by the Foundation, a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization, are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to FCCPR and mailed to FCCPR, PO Box 3266, Carson City, NV 89702-3266.