HOHP #6: KEvin Wood

​How long have you lived in the community?
I used to live in Milton with my family for 5 years up until last fall.

How did you decide to clean up Martini Shell Park?
I was in the area and in the spring of this year I would pull up in the mornings and would notice litter all over the place. I wanted to get a little exercise and would get about 45 minutes in.  I carry a broom in my truck so I figured I could clean it up.

Does anyone join in or ask questions as you’re cleaning?
Yes, I get plenty of “thank yous” and appreciation hellos. People walking the path would give me a thumbs up! The workers pick up the piles that I make and it makes a little less work for them.

What do you see happening next with your clean up project? Will you start cleaning other areas?
I’m not interested in other areas; it was by chance that I happened to see the litter here so I clean it up. I don’t go from park to park doing this. It’s just an area where I often park, and I noticed it was generally littered. My last name is Wood, and I remember Woodsy the Owl which brings to mind the old Keep America Beautiful campaign so I kind of  “Woodsy the Owl-ed” the area!

How can the community help?
I don’t need a big group of people here in Martini Shell Park to help; now that I’m there the town comes by twice a week because I leave piles there that need to be picked up. I think it’s a good idea for people to start cleaning up in their own area! We could use some supplies though - plastic bags and things like that [email KPHB to get in touch with Mr. Wood].

Do you ever see people littering while you’re there in Martini Shell Park?
When I arrive in the morning it’s there from the night before, and I’ll notice cars just throw stuff out the window. There’s only one trash receptacle, but it’s not near the parking lot. They do need trash barrels. It would help if they were closer to the parking lot so those in the cars wouldn’t have to walk so far to through their trash away.

I understand you’re an artist. Tell me more about your work.
I’ve been drawing since junior high on and off, but I consider myself a watercolor artist; for me it’s turning out a greater event than I actually thought. When I paint it’s like being in a tunnel until I finish. I primarily draw in the winter time in the library. I have so much work; I draw in such volume that you can’t tell that I’m only drawing in the winter. I’ve been on hiatus, but I will be starting again. I’d like to get my art out to sell, but for now it’s in storage.

Here is an example of my art featuring Mayor Menino:

​If you’re interested in connecting with Mr. Wood please reach out to KPHB: KeepHPBeautiful@gmail.com
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Nominate yourself or someone in the community for a future Humans of Hyde Park story; nominees can remain anonymous in the story or use their first name only if they prefer: https://goo.gl/forms/qgTj1Rh8t2bSbh973.