Pocono News Section

Special Earth Day Project at Kirby Park

Special Earth Day Project at Kirby Park - Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 4:35PM EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- A national organization took part in volunteer lawn and landscaping projects, Wednesday, for Earth Day.
PLANET, which stands for Professional Landcare Network, participated in a nationwide day of service. And a Luzerne County business helped the cause at a popular park.

A man using an aerator mixes the sod at Kirby Park. He's with Grasshopper Lawns Incorporated of Larksville. The company decided to donate workers and materials to green up the park.

Shawn Kravitsky of Grasshopper Lawns said, "Well, one of the things, the football field here, uh, there's no grass. Typically, you try to play on some turf and for the competition of play and just the safety aspect, also.'

Kravitsky and his brother, Michael, co-own the business. Besides the football field, they're also focusing their efforts on the park track. "There are some weeds popping up through here and there so we're going to, going to address those issues," said Shawn.

Everything from weed control, to fertilizer to seed, this place used by so many is getting a green makeover. It's something they're passionate about preserving. "I played here as a kid, my kids have played here as kids and now we're able to give back to our community," said Michael.

Nearly 2-dozen volunteers are taking part in this Kirby Park Earth Day cleanup. And while most had to miss some work time, a couple had to take a break from school.

Matthew Dillon and Sam Kravitsky are 3rd graders at Dallas Elementary. These 2 friends are spreading lime on the grass. "Well, it's not really hard, but it's fun," said Matthew.

And knowing that they're making an Earth Day difference. Sam added, "You don't have to be old to do anything."

Grasshopper Lawns Incorporated donated $14,000 in materials and time for the Earth Day project at Kirby Park.