Participants will be painting Long Meadow Pond facilities, staining the gazebo, sealing a crack in the basketball court and doing some weeding and a few other repairs. Afterward, they'll celebrate with a picnic lunch.

Officials hope it becomes an annual event.

The Parks and Recreation Commission came up with the idea of "A Day in Bethlehem" volunteer day after the playground behind Town Hall was vandalized in May. Police found broken glass in the sand and wood chips near the playscape.

"I think people drive right through town and don't notice," said Park and Recreation Chairman Chris Assard. "If you help spruce anything up, it helps."

Recreation Director Joyce Ferraro said people are so busy these days with work and other activities that volunteerism has declined.

This, she said, is an opportunity for families to volunteer together for a few hours.

"When you get people out, they tend to care about the community," Ferraro said. "Good things tend to happen."

The commission is trying to get as many people out as possible.

They sent out fliers to residents and enlisted the Lions Club to help.

They have about 14 people signed up, along with members of the commission and their families.

Ferraro hopes others will show up on the day of the event.

"It would be nice if they came out in droves," said First Selectman Leo S. Bulvanoski. "It's hard getting volunteers to do things in towns. People have busy lives, they have children...

"I think it would be nice if people would sign up for this."