Braving a record-breaking heat wave, volunteers, community partners, and residents of Rolling Meadows united with the Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) on Aug. 26 to beautify the neighborhood, successfully removing nine tons (18,000 pounds) of trash and debris.
Since implementation of the NET initiative, over 145 tons (291,240 pounds) of unsightly waste on residential properties has been removed through community cleanup events.

“It’s a great idea, what you’ve come up with together,” said Mary France, a 35-year resident of Rolling Meadows. “I’m all about keeping the neighborhood clean. The help means a lot.”

One neighborhood at a time, Arlington is becoming cleaner and safer through NET’s dedicated volunteers and the community. Special appreciation to Arlington Hispanic Citizen Police Academy, Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist and to all volunteers, residents and community partners that contributed to the success of this event.

Each cleanup event concludes with a celebratory block party with hot dogs, chips and other refreshments. A total of 67 free children’s books were given away at this event by David Jackson with Community Advocating for Prosperity and Opportunity (CAPO) and 25 stormwater kits handed out by Melissa Walker with Environmental Services.

Click here to see event photos.

Tools were checked out from the tool sharing trailer to aid NET in trimming of low-hanging tree limbs over the street to help eliminate code violations and provide safer passage of fire trucks responding to emergencies in the neighborhood without damaging firefighting apparatus on the top/sides of the trucks. Wheelbarrows aided in removal of loads of debris from yards, making properties cleaner and more attractive.

The tool sharing program is free for Arlington residents to perform property cleanup, lawn maintenance and home improvement. Simply fill out and submit a request form and we will be in touch within three (3) working days to confirm availability and dates for a door-step delivery and pickup of tools and/or equipment. Mowers, edgers, blowers, power washers and more are available for Arlington residents to borrow free of charge with proof of residency. Questions about the tool sharing program? Email [email protected], or call the Action Center at 817-459-6777.

Interested in joining our team to assist at a cleanup event? Do you need help with your property, or does your neighborhood need sprucing up? Visit the Code Compliance Cares webpage for more information about free resources and volunteer opportunities. We are here to help, and together we are making a difference!