Since the last big snowstorm, city crews have been focusing on clearing snow and not tending to public parks. But crews will get back to picking up trash and will begin clearing snow in the parks beginning Monday, said Michelle Speaks-March, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks. Crews normally pick up trash every day in the eight biggest parks and once a week in 33 smaller ones. But they haven't collected any since the snow, and many cans - particularly in parks with a lot of dog walkers - are overflowing. City crews also typically shovel snow only on the perimeter sidewalks of parks and not inside them. Usually, the snow melts quickly enough, Speaks-March said. "This storm is different," she said. "We ask for patience. We'll get to your park." Crews are not done clearing sidewalks but will begin going inside larger parks with trucks and plows. They will likely salt the smaller ones without access to vehicles unless residents request that they don't, she said. Residents who believe there is a safety or sanitation issue can call 311 or contact Recreation & Parks directly, at 410-396-7931.

- Meredith Cohn