The City of Albany has entered 2026 with a clear mission: protecting the “natural beauty, cleanliness, and safety” of its 36 parks and nearly 900 acres of green space. Central to this effort is the Adopt-A-Park program, a long-standing initiative that invites residents, businesses, and civic groups to move beyond being spectators and become active stewards of the city’s land.
While the city provides the resources, it is the community that provides the heart. This past week, that heart was on full display as the Graffiti Chasers officially kicked off the 2026 season with a massive win for local trails.
The Mission: A One-Two Punch for City Trails
The momentum began on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan 19), when volunteers met at Kinder Park for a citywide day of service. This coordination laid the groundwork for a second, targeted effort on Friday, January 23, when a powerhouse team of 25 volunteers from Target and JustServe joined forces with the Albany Parks & Recreation Department to tackle vandalism.
The primary target for the Friday “paint-out” was the north leg of the Periwinkle Bikepath (near Lowe’s Home Improvement), an area frequently dubbed “Tag Central” or “Graffiti Ground Zero” due to persistent vandalism.
In a single afternoon, these volunteers:
- Fanned out across the city: Moving beyond the bikepath, teams systematically identified and painted over tagging in multiple parks and along several miles of city trails.
- Erased “a ton” of graffiti: Using professional-grade supplies provided by the city, they restored walls and structures that had become eyesores for local commuters and families.
- Upheld the “Chaser” Philosophy: The program operates on the belief that removing graffiti within 24–48 hoursis the most effective deterrent. By denying vandals the long-term visibility they seek, the “Chasers” effectively discourage repeat tagging.
Is This a New Initiative?
While the Adopt-A-Park program has been a staple in Albany for years, the Graffiti Chasers represent its modern, “rapid-response” evolution. What is notably new for 2026 is the scale of these coordinated partnerships. Major local retailers like Target and service organizations like JustServe are providing the organized “heavy lifting” needed to keep pace with vandalism across Albany’s expansive park system.
Why It Matters
“Vandalism of any kind is costly and in many cases, inappropriate and unsightly. Responding quickly helps discourage repeat taggers and helps others take pride in our community’s natural beauty.” — City of Albany Parks & Recreation
By “chasing” graffiti away quickly, volunteers do more than just apply paint; they save taxpayer dollars, protect property values, and ensure that Albany’s trail systems remain a welcoming environment for the thousands of residents who use them for recreation and commuting.
How to Join the “Chasers”
The city’s volunteer coordinators are looking for more “eyes and ears” to maintain this momentum.
- Report It: If you see tagging, use the city’s online reporting tool.
- Join a Paint-Out: Sign up via the City of Albany Volunteer Interest Form to be notified of the next community cleanup event.
