Adopt a Park - Frequently Asked Questions

You (and your group) can help us maintain a garden, pick up litter clean up along a waterway, monitor the area for vandalism and potentially hazardous situations, clean graffiti, maintain trails, remove invasive weeds and species, and other jobs as suggested by the park supervisor.

We would appreciate adopting volunteers to commit one year of service, visiting their park more often during our busiest period between May and September. Depending on the service provided, some parks may ask their adopting volunteers to bring along cleaning supplies such as trash bags, dustpans, brooms, buckets, graffiti removal soap, etc. In some cases gardening supplies may be brought along such as rakes and shovels. The volunteer coordinator will confirm the information with you, before your first visit. Please report your service hours to the volunteer coordinator each time you visit your park. You may report safety threats, hazards and vandalism to the park supervisor or volunteer coordinator as soon as you become aware of it.

• Work only in fair weather, during park hours.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, water, snacks, etc.
• Learn the park’s regulations and follow them at all times.
• Always wear your Adopt a Park volunteer badge at all times when you work.
• Please do not leave unattended pets or small children in vehicles while you volunteer.
• Always provide adult supervision (18 and over) to youth 16 and under.
• Serve only during the park’s hours. Check the park’s webpage to confirm their park hours.
• Always wear protective gloves when picking up trash.
• Never over-exert yourself. Work comfortably, at your own pace.
• Use a buddy system whenever possible. Notify someone from the park if you will work alone.
• Keep the park supervisor’s and volunteer coordinator’s phone numbers handy each time you visit your park.
• Always carry a first aid kit, in case of emergencies.

Adopt a Park provides a service teaching opportunity for a family or a school group, a team building activity for an agency, and a day of service for individuals. Adopting volunteers will receive a thank you letter of appreciation from the Agency.  Recognition of adopting volunteers will also be made in the Agency website. As the Adopt a Park program expands, regular adopting volunteers may receive additional recognition at their park. View Volunteer Recognition webpage.

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