The ‘Arty' in Acklam is a popular spot with dog walkers, taking its name from the medieval artificial ponds that once served nearby Acklam Hall.
And to give the park and path a timely makeover, Middlesbrough Environment City's CommUNITY Actions & One Planet Pioneer projects put on special clearance day.
They were joined by the newly-formed Friends of the Arty community group, and filled a large skip with more than two tonnes of fly-tipped green and household waste and dead wood.
The Friends were founded by local residents with the aim of clearing up the area to help encourage wildlife and native flowers and to use the space to educate the local community on the area's history.
Also lending a welcome helping hand were MEC's Grassroots Kickstarts, a group of 18- to 25-year-olds on paid work placements, helping them gain invaluable work experience to boost their career opportunities.
Middlesbrough Environment City CommUNITY Actions Project Co-ordinator Sarah Lattaway said: "It was wonderful to see so many of the community get involved on the day and their passion for their project is infectious."
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: "Lots of people don't realise we have this amazing history right on our doorstep that goes right back to Middlesbrough's earliest roots.
"But we'll only have it for future generations if we look after it now, and that's where groups like MEC and the Friends of the Arty come in.
"They're working tirelessly to give this special location a fantastic makeover, and to help ensure it's enjoyed by generations to come."
