This program is open to any group looking to give back to the community. Examples include hiking and biking enthusiasts, neighborhood associations, religious/church groups, schools, scout troops, military and civic associations. We also invite individuals to join our Adopt-A-Park program. Certain restrictions may apply. Please contact the Adopt A Park liaison on the right if you are interested or have any questions.

Groups or individuals may adopt an entire park or a specific recreation area including:

• Playgrounds
• Park benches/Picnic Tables
• Landscape Beds
• Trees & Shrubs
• Trails & Walkways
• Sport Courts
• Parking Areas
• Exercise courses
• Sports Fields
• Any other areas you may be interested in, just let us know!

You or your group can commit to a year of monthly clean ups, a one-day maintenance event, a six-month stint of weekly trash collection or whatever you or your group are willing to pledge. We understand that our volunteers have busy lives, and we value your contribution to our parks. We only ask that you can commit to what is agreed via the Adopt-a-Park proposal agreement (each case is different). Our hope is that you will enjoy the volunteer activities and return for years to come! A typical day of volunteering may last approximately 2 to 4 hours.

The Adopt A Park program allows you to choose the type of activities you would like to help with in the park. Here are a few identified needs and possibilities:

• Pick up litter
• Report and/or remove graffiti
• Sweep courts and/or pathways
• Pull weeds and rake leaves
• Prune and care for trees or shrubs
• Plant and care for native plants in the parks
• Report any park hazards
• Rake playground sand/fiber and clear out any litter

We ask that the volunteers and/or groups attempt to supply all of their materials for the projects, but we do have limited supplies, which can be made available. Glendale will partner with the volunteer group for these projects to provide trash bags for all projects. We will also take care of all removal of trash. With sufficient notice, we will also offer assistance in the transporting of plants or other larger objects that are part of your group project. Supplies and material are also available to check-out through the Neighborhood Partnership Office Tool Lending Program; call 623-930-2915 to reserve your items. Potential items that will be needed for projects may include:

• Gloves
• Litter stick (garbage picker-upper)
• Gardening tools such as hoes, shovels, rakes, pruning sheers, wheelbarrow.
• Brooms and water hoses
• Safety equipment including water, sunscreen, and first aid kit.

The Parks and Recreation Department will recognize you as an individual volunteer or a group at the beginning of your agreement with a press release and on this web site page. After three months of continuous service in a Glendale park or trail, you will be awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Director of Parks & Recreation as well as being recognized at that month’s public Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting.

If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can still donate funds to the cause. By investing in your community you are showing the residents of Glendale, you are committed to building healthy relationships in our parks and recreation areas. Other benefits include:

• Coordinated effort between Park Maintenance and Neighborhood Partnership staff to engage community businesses, HOA’s, schools and residents to provide supplemental support in maintaining neighborhood parks
• Community engagement with parks
• Enhance community engagement and connection

Once you’re ready to volunteer and have assigned a group leader, download the Adoption Proposal & Agreement form above on the right. This form will allow you to give a more specific request for what you and your group would like to help the City of Glendale maintain. Once we have received this form, your group leader will be contacted by city staff to reach an agreement for official start dates and volunteer requirements. You can also contact the City of Glendale Parks & Recreation Department at: 623-930-4206.