Homecoming weekend at many universities includes parties and having fun, but some local college students decided it would also be a good time to spruce up a nearby park. 

WNEM TV5 met up with students from Saginaw Valley State University to find out more about their efforts.

"Well, I think it's an awesome opportunity to give something back," said Ulli Drevensted, a graduate student from Germany. Drevensted was more than happy to pitch in to help clean up Krossroads Park in Saginaw County's Kochville Township on Friday morning.

"I've been welcomed here in such a friendly manner, everybody has been nothing but friendly to me," said Drevensted.

She joined close to 50 of her classmates for a few hours Friday mulching trees, pulling trash out of ponds and generally making the park a sparkling jewel in the autumn sun.

The organizer of the event said he is proud of his fellow students.

"A lot of the organizations that you see here are people that are competing in a homecoming contest this week, so it's great to see the turnout that we have," said clean-up organizer Tyler Hollingshead.

The clean-up was appreciated by little Delon Frierson and his dad Dion.

" I think it's a good thing they're doing out here, keeps the park looking pretty good and everything, the kids enjoy it, I think it's a good thing," said Dion Frierson.

Meanwhile, Drevensted says there's no homecoming tradition per se at German universities, so she's looking forward to Saturday's football game.

"I'm really looking forward to it, I hope SVSU will win, and I'm really excited," she said.

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