High-school senior takes hours out of his week to clean up Hamilton County park

Cincinnati (WXIX) – A local teenager started cleaning up the park where he spent his youth.

When it comes to talking, Peter Olsen says all the right things. .

he takes a walk again Olsen is a doer, neither daunted by big problems nor discouraged by incremental progress. He would rather roll up his sleeves and put on plastic gloves than mumble absentmindedly when things are deteriorating around him.

That spirit led the West Side teenager to Fernbank Park earlier this summer, where he collected his own trash and debris into garbage bags.

It has become not only what he used to do, but the profession he will continue to do. Olsen would spend hours filling the garbage bag every week, sometimes he twice a week.

“We’ve seen some really weird stuff,” said Olsen. It’s crazy how many there are.

Olsen is a senior at LaSalle High School.

“I’ve seen a lot of trash everywhere,” he said. “And Fernbank, the park I clean, is one of the parks I’ve been to since I was a kid. So it holds a special place in my heart. Seeing all the trash on , it felt like an opportunity for me to help.”

Olsen’s mom, other family members and friends can also help.

Olsen estimates he’s collected over 900 recyclable items and over £1,000 in nearly 20 weeks of trash picking. of garbage.

“If no one comes to help, it will definitely get worse,” said Olsen. “But in the communities I’ve met, they seem more than willing to help. People have offered to help me pick up the trash. People care about the area and are willing to help.” They just need someone to help them and guide them.”

Olsen says it’s important that everyone does their part to keep this place we call home clean.

“Try every little thing, like picking up litter around you or walking down the street and picking up litter.

Peter says he wants to eventually leave his job at Fernbank Park. But every time he comes back, he says he has more work to do.

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