Cobb County Community Services Board has partnered with Cobb PARKS. Earlier this summer, individuals in the intellectual/developmental disability community access group started volunteering twice a week at county parks. The group picks up trash from playgrounds, weeds gardens and performs other general clean-up activities. By volunteering, members of the group are making a valuable contribution to the community. Jimmy Gisi, Cobb PARKS director, says volunteers are important to keeping Cobb parks beautiful.

"With resources at the level that they are right now, we are excited to have volunteers to help us maintain Cobb County's parkland," Gisi said. "With more than 6,000 acres of parkland in our inventory, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining our quality parks. We are excited to have Cobb County Community Services Board as a partner."
 
Supplied with gloves, trash bags, tongs and plenty of water, the group recently beautified Sweetwater Park and Clarksdale Park in Austell and Wild Horse Creek Park in Powder Springs. The group will continue to volunteer on Mondays and Wednesdays (weather permitting).
 
Community access group services are individually planned to meet the person's needs and preferences for active community participation. The goal is to improve access to the community through increased skills and support. Volunteering is one way to achieve this goal.