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Volunteer group reports 104 volunteers, dozens of cubic yards of debris removed in Coos Bay
Summary
Oregon Bay Area Beautification reported 104 volunteers and work on trails, invasive plants and mulch spread; group seeks Parks Commission support for John Toppets Park events.
Oregon Bay Area Beautification (OBAD) reported that 104 volunteers have taken part in cleanup projects so far in 2025, removing more than two dozen cubic yards of debris and spreading five cubic yards of mulch across Coos Bay trails.
OBAD secretary-treasurer Katie Loy gave the update at the March 4 meeting of the Coos Bay Parks Commission and asked the commission to consider John Toppets Park as a priority for upcoming volunteer events.
The group counted 260 volunteer hours across events it described in the report. Loy told the commission volunteers pulled English ivy, Scotch broom, holly and blackberry and performed light maintenance such as painting and hammering loose boards back into place. She said turnout varies by event — she reported past attendance from about 40 people up to roughly 100 — and that the group schedules kid-friendly tasks for younger volunteers.
Loy said OBAD held work at Malcoma Marsh Trail in January with 56 volunteers contributing roughly 140 hours, clearing about 1.5 cubic yards of debris and spreading five cubic yards of mulch to address soggy trail sections. She asked the Parks Commission to “make it its goal to improve John Toppets,” saying the park draws many volunteers and users and has an active volunteer camp-hosting presence.
Commissioners thanked OBAD for recruitment and marketing that boost turnout and noted city staff and volunteers coordinate on project scope and safety requirements for tasks involving children or heavier labor. Commissioner discussion included confirming the parks department’s priorities and acknowledging that volunteers assist with tasks the city cannot always schedule staff time for.
Loy said OBAD follows safety rules for young volunteers and structures projects to include lighter tasks for children. The group will next focus events at John Toppets Park and the kayak-launch area, where Loy said volunteers may clean, power-wash the launch, and remove invasive plants.
The commission did not take formal action on the report; staff and OBAD will coordinate dates and project scope for upcoming events.
