As a major gateway to campus, the section of U.S. Highway 11 that becomes University Boulevard is part of that all-important first impression for visitors. Parts of it are in need of beautification, and the UA Office, Clerical and Technical Staff Assembly is stepping up to do the work.
OCTSA identified a section of the road (mile 88 to 89) and contracted with Alabama People Against a Littered State, or Alabama PALS, to adopt that mile. Once the application was approved, the Adopt-a-Mile signage was erected.
“We chose Highway 11, or University Boulevard, because it is the road that leads to the academic success of our students and community. It is linked to UA by name, and as such, we felt it needed to be better represented,” said OCTSA member Susan Noble.
It’s also an important link between the local community and UA.
“We felt that that road was so littered that it was detrimental to the community. We wanted a clean, inviting pathway to the University,” Noble said.
While it’s an OCTSA project, UA employees and community members over 18 years old can volunteer.
The first work day is Saturday, Dec. 9, Noble said. “It is safer to do it when the leaves are down and the kudzu has died for the season. Cooler temperatures will keep the snakes away, and the lack of leaves will make it safer for folks to be able to see where they’re walking.”
Although the work day starts at 8 a.m., volunteers may arrive later. OCTSA will make a $100 donation to the UA college with the most volunteers.
OCTSA is partnering with local business Bama Salvage, which is providing space for volunteers to park their cars and leave belongings such as drink coolers. Volunteers should go to the welcome tent at Bama Salvage to sign a release form. Bags will be provided; close-toed shoes and work gloves are recommended.
“We asked Bama Salvage to work with us because they are part of the community, are adversely affected by the littered roadway, and they are in the middle of the mile. This shows another example of the interconnectedness of the community and UA. We’ll be posting our volunteer dates on Bama Salvage’s Facebook page,” Noble said.
Another local business, The Oasis in Cottondale, will be where volunteers celebrate at the end of the day. The Oasis will be listing volunteer days under Events on its Facebook page.