Crews from San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department joined volunteers Monday, April 21, to remove trash left after Easter weekend festivities in Brackenridge Park and other public areas. Families took advantage of the city’s lifted 11 p.m. curfew, allowing overnight camping according to one announcement.
City workers focused on large items such as abandoned tents and furniture, which had been left behind by campers celebrating the holiday outdoors. Officials noted that these items often pose an immediate challenge, blocking walkways and detracting from the park’s appearance.
The Brackenridge Park Conservancy helped organize a volunteer initiative called the “Cascarón Cleanup,” with the goal of collecting smaller debris like plastic confetti, food wrappers and container scraps. Volunteers congregated near Joska Pavilion early in the day for instructions.
In one local news report covering the operation, organizer Erin Quintanilla advised participants, “If you see any needles or any drug paraphernalia, don’t touch it,” and said, “If you need anything, I’ll be right here.” She also remarked, “Something that could be choked on, something that could go unseen and float into our rivers, and it can become toxic for the animals.”
Quintanilla further noted, “(City crews) will do a sweep later in the week where they’ll be picking up individual trash, but we don’t want it to have to sit for that long.”
She added that debris can have far-reaching consequences, explaining, “Everything in this park that goes into the water, it goes downstream,” followed by, “And it affects everyone else.”
Volunteer Emily Hogue, quoted in the same report, said, “This was my second year as a volunteer to clean up the park.” She expressed that certain items like eggshells and paper confetti generally decompose.
Hogue clarified, “Some of the confetti, we’re able to leave. It’s biodegradable, the paper, as well as the eggshells. But any of the little plastic Easter grass that tends to be in the Easter baskets, water bottles, candy wrappers…”
Officials reported more than fifty people taking part in multiple cleanup sessions, culminating in Monday’s final push. Event organizers said rapid removal of litter can help protect wildlife and maintain a welcoming environment.
Staff and volunteers also received guidance on handling potentially hazardous or sharp objects. City crews are expected to follow up with additional sweeps later in the week to collect overlooked trash.
Best practices suggest using biodegradable confetti, compostable utensils and well-labeled disposal bins to reduce leftover debris after holiday festivities. Simple changes of this kind help limit harm to animals, waterways and scenic areas.
Organizers believe that consistent volunteer participation can preserve green spaces while allowing continued Easter traditions. Public-private coordination, they say, helps ensure parks remain accessible and enjoyable for the community in the wake of major celebrations.