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Kicking Off 2025 with Community Spirit
On a crisp January morning, the People of Wekiwa Springs (POWS) community volunteers gathered to embark on its first community enhancement activity of the year. The setting was the busy intersection of Wekiwa Springs Road and State Road 436, where a large retention pond and public easement have become a focal point for beautification and community pride. For these volunteers, the task at hand wasn’t just about cleaning up—it was about making Wekiwa Springs feel like home for every resident and visitor who passes through.
The story began in late 2024, when POWS initiated a project to create a “Welcome to Wekiwa Springs” sign along this stretch of road. Using specially designed cups inserted into a chain-link fence, they crafted a colorful message to greet everyone entering the area. Due to some requirements by Orange County Public Works, modifications to the sign were necessary which altered the design slightly. This gave POWS the opportunity to make a design change for visibility that was agreed to by all parties. On January 18, about a dozen dedicated volunteers came together to complete the work, outlining and highlighting the sign to give it new life and visual appeal.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, the group fell into a steady rhythm, each volunteer worked on an aspect of the fix. Some volunteers worked on aligning and securing the design cups, ensuring the continued viability of the sign. Others added a contrasting border around the letters to make the sign easier to read both day and night. By the time they were finished, the “Welcome to Wekiwa Springs” sign radiated a cheerful energy, a beacon of hospitality for everyone who travels through the area.
This project was more than a beautification effort—it was a symbol of what Wekiwa Springs stands for. “When we work on something like this together, it’s about more than the sign,” said one volunteer. “It’s about making everyone who comes here feel like they belong. That’s what this community is all about.”
But the day’s work didn’t stop there. After completing the sign, the group turned its attention to the surrounding area. Armed with trash bags, gloves, and plenty of enthusiasm, the volunteers tackled the stretch of roadway and the common area near the retention pond. Together, they collected over 35 pounds of litter, removing everything from plastic bottles to stray wrappers. The transformation was immediate—what had been a cluttered roadside was now a clean, inviting space that reflected the pride the community takes in its surroundings.
As they worked, the volunteers shared stories, laughed, and forged connections, embodying the spirit of teamwork that defines POWS. For some, it was their first time participating in this kind of event.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this has been such a great experience,” said one newcomer. “It’s amazing to see what we can accomplish together in just over an hour.”
Maintaining this area will be an ongoing effort, but the volunteers of POWS are more than up to the task. The group has committed to regular cleanups and touch-ups, ensuring the welcome sign and surrounding easement continue to make a positive impression on residents and visitors alike. This dedication is part of a broader mission to create a vibrant and inviting community, one small event or project at a time.
The January 18 activity was more than just a day of volunteering—it was a celebration of the power of community. By coming together to finish the “Welcome to Wekiwa Springs” sign and clean up the area, the volunteers demonstrated the pride and care that make this neighborhood so special. They showed that even small actions, like picking up trash or enhancing a roadside sign, can have a big impact on how people feel about their community.
As 2025 begins, the People of Wekiwa Springs are setting the tone for a year filled with connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making their neighborhood the best it can be. For those who drive past the newly completed welcome sign, the message is clear: Wekiwa Springs is more than just a place—it’s a community that cares.
So next time you pass the corner of Wekiwa Springs Road and 436, take a moment to admire the work of your neighbors. Behind every cup in that welcome sign, every cleaned stretch of road, and every friendly wave from a volunteer, you’ll see the heart of Wekiwa Springs—a community where everyone is welcome, and everyone can make a difference.
If you’d like to be part of these meaningful efforts and help shape the future of Wekiwa Springs, we’d love to have you join us!
The People of Wekiwa Springs hold monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month with speakers sharing useful and insightful information and sharing ideas to enhance our community. Additionally, we host hands-on activities like the one described above on the third Saturday of every month.
Meet your neighbors, make a difference, and be part of something bigger. For more details visit our website at wekiwa-springs.com. Together, we can continue to make Wekiwa Springs a welcoming, vibrant place to live and thrive!
