Storm Drains Aren't for Dumping

A recent edition of The Water Line warned against blowing grass clippings into the street where they can enter the stormwater system. According to Department of Public Works Program Manager Patty Seymour other debris entering storm drains can also negatively impact the environment. “Sometimes residents dump large chunks of water softener salt on the storm drains, not realizing that this can cause a problem when mixing with stormwater runoff,” she said. Other items can also clog the drains or break down chemically in the stormwater system. Seymour suggested seeking other means of disposal.

For potentially toxic waste, residents can take the items to an official Tox-Away site when an event is planned. For example, a Tox-Away Day is scheduled for August 14, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hickory Elementary School, 907 S. State Road 267, in Avon.

For more information on acceptable Tox-Away Day items, visit www.hendrickssolidwaste.com or call 745-9130. For more information on the Town's stormwater quality programs, contact Seymour at 839-3490.

“Night Out” to Spotlight Crime and Drug Prevention

On Tuesday, August 3, several Plainfield neighborhoods will participate in National Night Out. According to Plainfield Police Lt. Jill Lees, the event is “designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for crime prevention, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and community relations with local law enforcement.” Participating residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights and mingle with neighbors between 5 and 9 p.m. to strengthen their neighborhood crime watch efforts.

For more information, contact Lees at 838-3565.

Did You Know?

The new Plainfield Youth Athletics Complex got off to a great start, hosting more than 100 baseball games during June and July. Work continues on certain portions of the complex in preparation for fall 2010 sports.

Triathlon Kicks Off August 7

The season's final Sprint Triathlon Series race takes place Saturday, August 7 at Splash Island. Part-icipants will swim 500 yards, and then participate in a 12-mile bike race and 3-mile run. The cost to participate is $20 for members, $25 for non-member/residents and $30 for non-member/non-residents. The event begins at 8:00 a.m. Participants can register on-site or call 839-7665. For specific event information, contact Tony Carlucci at 839-7665, ext. 538.

To learn more about this and other events and programs, visit the Town's website -- www.townofplainfield.com -- and select the Parks & Recreation page. You can also follow the Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook (search for Plainfield Parks) and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PlainfieldPR. To learn more by phone, call 839-7665.

Splash Island Schedule Changes

Splash Island will be open weekends only through Labor Day once school starts on August 10.