Behind the Scenes: The Red Shirts Team Keeping Silver Spring Beautiful All Summer Long
If you’ve spent any time in downtown Silver Spring this summer, you’ve likely seen them: bright red polos, reflective vests, and a whole lot of hustle. The Red Shirts are the Public Service Aides (PSAs) of the Silver Spring Urban District—and they’re the driving force behind the clean sidewalks, vibrant landscaping, and safe, welcoming public spaces that define the heart of Silver Spring.
And this summer, they’ve been hard at work keeping downtown beautiful.
What the Red Shirts Do
The Silver Spring Urban District Red Shirts handle the daily maintenance and beautification of our urban core. Their work spans everything from hands-on physical labor to public engagement. During the busy summer months, their role becomes even more essential.
Their summer efforts include:
- Power washing sidewalks and public spaces
- Weeding, mulching, and maintaining landscaped medians
- Removing litter and graffiti
- Identifying and addressing trip hazards
- Supporting logistics for downtown events on Veterans Plaza and beyond
These are the people working early mornings and through the heat to ensure Silver Spring remains a walkable, vibrant, and safe destination for all.
Friendly Faces at Street Level
In addition to their maintenance work, Red Shirts are also the friendly, helpful faces you’ll find at Silver Spring information tents. They're often the first point of contact for visitors—offering directions, sharing local recommendations, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone who passes through.
Their knowledge of the neighborhood, paired with their approachable presence, makes them true community ambassadors.
Sharing Silver Spring—Through Their Lens
This year, several Red Shirts have gone beyond their day-to-day duties by learning how to support content marketingefforts for the Urban District. One standout contributor, Robert Simms, has captured dozens of behind-the-scenes moments—showcasing not just the work, but the pride and creativity behind it.
📸 All photos in this feature were taken by Robert Simms, Silver Spring Urban District Red Shirt and Public Service Aide (PSA). Robert and fellow team members have been learning the ropes of content marketing—and clearly blowing us away with their creativity, artistic ability, and eye for capturing the beauty of downtown Silver Spring.
Why It Matters
Without the Red Shirts, the energy of downtown Silver Spring wouldn’t be the same. From tree planting to pressure washing to simply greeting a family with a smile, the work they do each day is what keeps this district moving.
So next time you see a Red Shirt out in the field—watering plants, helping visitors, or capturing that perfect shot—take a moment to say thank you. Their work is visible in every clean sidewalk, thriving planter, and welcoming plaza space.