May 14, 2026
Wildwood College Athletes Organizing Neighborhood Cleanup and Youth Event
By Cindy Peterson
Wildwood College Athletes Organizing Neighborhood Cleanup and Youth Event
A group of college football players with ties to Wildwood are coming together this weekend to give back to the community they still call home.
On Saturday, May 16, Ja’Kyrian Turner, Zechariah Poyser, Terrell Poyser, Eian Finkley and Jawarren Corbin will host the first annual Neighborhood Clean Up at MLK Park in Wildwood. The event, organized in remembrance of “Shug,” will combine community cleanup efforts with youth activities focused on mentorship, teamwork and giving back.
Organizers say the goal is not only to help clean up neighborhoods, but also to involve local youth and encourage pride in the community.
“These athletes love their community and are proud to be representing Wildwood as far as Pittsburgh, Miami, Missouri State, Delaware and Western Carolina,” organizers shared in a statement.
The day will begin with breakfast for participating children from 8-9am at the pavilion at MLK Park, located at 600 Walker Rd. At 9am, children will be divided into groups and escorted through nearby neighborhoods alongside the athletes to help collect trash and clean local streets.
Organizers say the athletes will serve as chaperones throughout the cleanup and will wear high-visibility vests while walking with the children through the community. Gloves, trash bags and hand sanitizer will also be provided.
Following the cleanup, participants will return to the park around 11:45am for lunch, which will include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, water and sports drinks.
Beginning at 1pm, children will be able to enjoy the splash pad, water slide and additional games before wrapping up the afternoon with flag football and two-hand touch games alongside the college athletes at 2pm.
Organizers are encouraging children to bring bathing suits, towels and swim trunks for the afternoon activities.
“We want to help restore the streets of Wildwood by taking care of where we live and teaching our kids to love one another as well as the community that they reside in,” organizers said.
The event is free and open to all children in the community.
Photos provided.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
