How One Girl Is Making a Big Difference, One Dock at a Time

Summerport Resident Kate Monahan Turns a Love of Fishing into a Grassroots Effort that Inspires Young Volunteers

Photos Courtesy of the Monahan Family

The neighborhood docks, which serve as gathering spots for Summerport residents and many types of wildlife, were often covered in trash and dirt. "She thought there should be someone cleaning the docks," her parents shared. "And if there wasn't, she would just do it herself."

That simple realization from Kate sparked the creation of the Dock Protection and Cleaning Group (DPCG)—a grassroots effort led by one determined young girl with a desire to make her community better for all who enjoy it. Since launching the initiative in March, Kate and her family have organized three dock-cleaning sessions, restoring two docks during each event. What began as a personal project quickly became a lesson in hard work, responsibility, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The clean-up process itself is intentionally eco-friendly. To protect the plants and animals that call Summerport's lakes home, no cleaning chemicals are used. Instead, lake water is collected in large buckets and used to scrub the docks and railings with brooms and handheld brushes. During recent cleanups, Kate's dad helped remove plant debris from the water around the docks using a casting net. The work is far from easy.

Covered docks typically take about 45 minutes to clean, while uncovered docks can require up to an hour and a half of scrubbing under the Florida sun. "It hasn't been easy," Kate’s parents said. "The days are hot, and it takes quite a bit of elbow grease to get some of these sections cleaned." Yet, the results speak for themselves. After the first cleanup day, before-and-after photos shared on the Summerport community Facebook page generated an outpouring of positive reinforcement and support. Kate’s neighbors applauded her efforts and several even volunteered to help with future cleanup events.

The recognition didn't stop there. The Summerport HOA invited Kate to attend a monthly meeting, where she was presented with a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of her work. She also had the opportunity to speak in front of community members and committee representatives about her project. Though she was honored by the award, Kate found herself equally fascinated by the meeting. She enjoyed learning how decisions are made and how residents work together to maintain and improve the neighborhood.

As word of the Dock Protection and Cleaning Group has spread throughout the community, other children have expressed interest in joining the effort. While scheduling and refining the clean-up process have delayed broader participation, Kate and her family hope to create opportunities for more young volunteers to get involved throughout the summer. For now, her core team includes some familiar faces: Mom, Dad and brother Jack. Her parents couldn't be prouder.

"It can be easy to sit back and complain about the condition of something or expect someone else to take care of it," they said. "Kate decided she wanted improvement and realized that if it was going to happen, she would need to be the one to contribute directly." The experience has taught her an important lesson. "Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands," her parents said. "It's not always easy, fun, or pretty. However, when Kate sits back and sees the result of her work and determination, it makes it worth the effort."

In a world where it's often easier to point out problems than solve them, Kate's example stands out for children and adults alike. Through determination, hard work and a commitment to caring for our environment, she's helping preserve one of Summerport's treasured community spaces and inspiring others to do the same. One dock at a time, she's proving that you're never too young to make a meaningful impact.