Green-thumbed residents, get ready to dig into the city's community spirit with a garden tool swap event scheduled for May 11. Declutter your shed or garage and help others in the process—whether you've got too many spades to handle or are looking to cultivate your collection without breaking the bank, this is your chance. As reported by the city's announcement, no exchange of goods is necessary to participate. Simply show up at one of seven designated parks between 9 a.m. and noon, and swap or snag some gardening tools.

The seven parks across the city opening their gates for this event include Folwell and Harrison Parks to the north, Logan Park in the northeast, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Armatage Parks located southwest, and Longfellow and Lake Hiawatha Parks down south. To ensure that everyone can easily find a convenient swapping location, park addresses, and accepted items can be checked through the city's provided URL.

For those wanting to spread the word or connect with fellow participants, a Facebook event is in place. Sharing is caring, so don't hesitate to join and invite friends to this communal activity that not only encourages environmental stewardship but also fosters a sense of community through shared interests and sustainable practices.

Cleanliness is next to orderliness, and swappers are urged to thoroughly clean all items to prevent the spread of diseases and invasive species. According to the guidelines outlined by the hosts, tools and bird-related items should be washed with hot soapy water, then sprayed or soaked in a bleach solution for 10 minutes before drying them completely. The detailed cleaning guides will be made available at each of the garden tool swap sites to ensure everyone can keep their gear and our feathered friends safe.

So mark your calendars for a Saturday morning of swapping and socializing, all in the name of a greener and more closely-knit community. May 11 is the date when gardeners can give as much as they grow—all in the heart of their local park.