For many years there have been spring and fall “clean up” or “service” days in Weinland Park.

Join your many neighbors and other community volunteers for the second annual “Roots and Roofs” event on Saturday, May 19th from 9:30a.m. to 2:30p.m featuring both Gardens and Housing.

The event combines service projects to plant flowers, prepare community gardens and pick up litter with open houses for three new and renovated single-family homes that are near completion.

The central gathering place for “Roots & Roofs” will be Godman Guild Association, 303 E. Sixth Ave. Residents and visitors can participate in service projects and obtain information about the open houses and housing opportunities. Lunch will be served at noon.

The NRP Group has constructed 40 lease-to-purchase, single-family homes with affordable rents. Wagenbrenner Development has overseen the total renovation of 10 formerly vacant houses that are being sold for affordable homeownership and an additional four currently being rehabbed. Construction of six new houses will begin later this spring on a vacant lot at North Fourth and East Eighth Avenue. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Columbus has completed three homes with an additional four on the way.

• Planting flowers;
• Preparing community gardens;
• Litter pick-up throughout the neighborhood;
• Tours of new and renovated homes (11:00 to 2p.m.);
• Habitat House “Wall-Raising” at 1294 N. 5th Ave;
• Greet new neighbors and thank volunteers over lunch.

Free “Roots and Roofs” T-shirts will be provided to volunteers (while supplies last) and a wonderful free meal by Local Matters during a short program at Godman Guild at Noon to hear about the exciting housing options occurring throughout the neighborhood. All activities will originate from Godman Guild (303 E. 6th Avenue) but may also include activities at 4th Street Farms, The Bird Sanctuary on North 5th Street, WP Elementary School and the park behind the school. Homes will be available to tour in several locations throughout the neighborhood.  The Tool Library will provide tools and supplies to all volunteers.

To register to volunteer please call OSU Extension at 299-2915.