KCCB unveils more Adopt a Spot cleanup locations

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

This week, a number of local groups and individuals dedicated themselves to helping to keep Copperas Cove beautiful with the promise to keep their area clean. 
Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful (KCCB) has an Adopt-a-Spot program wherein groups can make a commitment to clean up their particular area at least four times per year.
With the unveilings this week, Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful (KCCB) will have officially added eight new Adopt-a-Spot signs bringing their total up to 15 signs.
“I get excited because it shows that we have our wonderful citizens that want to get involved in our community and make a difference. It also shows that we’re engaging new people continuously,” said KCCB Director Roxanne Flores. “My thought is that I’d love to get more involved and reach more people that we’ve never touched. That’s our goal for 2024, to find that volunteer that has never heard of Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful and get them engaged and get them involved and show them how easy it is to get involved. Whether they are 5 or 85, they can still serve and make a difference in their community.”
The Adopt a Road, Park, Spot program was started in 2020, but did not do well because of Covid. The program was revived in 2022 by Nathan Garner who started the program when he was a member of the Five Hills Royalty. During that time, he applied for and received a $500 grant from Youth Serve America and another $500 grant from the Fort Hood Thrift Shop.
The project started small with only four participants in the first year but is continuing to grow and build momentum.
“I’m just happy that there are so many people that want to get involved and participate,” said Noo Noo Garner, a KCCB commissioner. 
One of the spots unveiled on Wednesday was that of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. The spot is along Avenue E, in the vicinity of the Copperas Cove Police Department.
Robert Rodriguez, president of the Citizens Police Academy allumni, said that their group frequently helps KCCB out with various cleanup projects, particularly with graffiti cleanup projects. 
Rodriguez said that whenever KCCB asks for help, so long as they are available, they are happy to help out. He said that their group was looking forward to making their partnership with KCCB official with the official Adopt-a-Spot sign.
“We’re here for the Police Department and for the community,” said Rodriguez. “We take pride in Copperas Cove and keeping it clean.”
Rodriguez said that the Citizens Police Academy also helps with other events such as the recent Krist Kindl Markt.
Those interested in adopting an area can reach out to KCCB for more information.
Adopt a Spot locations unveiled this week also include Copperas Cove Chiefs Football (High Chapparal Park), Copperas Cove Express, John & Dawn Hale (Highland Park), Five Hills Crossfit (Ogletree Gap Park), Five Hills 4H (West Avenue D), The Mission Continues Killeen Service Platoon (Heritage Park).