The City of Stillwater’s Adopt-A-Park Program invites volunteers to enhance civic responsibility and foster community pride while beautifying the city parks. By participating, volunteers contribute to improving the appearance and quality of our community, making it a cleaner and healthier environment.

Anyone can volunteer for the Adopt-A-Park Program, including individuals, families, neighborhood associations, schools, church groups, senior citizens, youth groups, scouts, and businesses. Here are some general guidelines for participation:

A volunteer or volunteer group may adopt a park for a two-year term, which can be renewed.

• Parks are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
• By adopting a park, the volunteer(s) may conduct litter and debris clean-ups, as well as weed removal, as frequently as they choose, but such clean-up must be performed at least twice a year (once in spring and once in fall).
• The City of Stillwater will supply gloves and trash bags and will also dispose of the collected trash. A volunteer or member of a volunteer group must inform the City’s Public Works Department of the date and time their clean-up activities will occur in order for the City to supply these materials.
• The name of the adopting organization will be displayed at the park entrance throughout the adoption term.
• Groups can choose specific dates and times for their clean-up efforts, as long as they occur during daylight hours.
• Volunteers under 18 must be supervised by an adult.
• Opportunities for larger projects, such as new plantings or painting, are available but not mandatory. Volunteers must obtain the consent of the City’s Public Works Department before undertaking any special projects, including, but not limited to, any rehabilitation of any proposed or existing park property or structures thereon.
• The volunteer(s) or volunteer group must notify the City’s Public Works Department of any vandalism or potential safety hazards discovered in the adopted City park.
• Volunteers may not modify or add to the existing landscape or site design plan without the consent of the City’s Public Works Department.
• Volunteers must abide by all state and local laws, rules and regulations, all written and verbal guidelines, directions and instructions from City staff.
• The City shall provide a recognition sign to the volunteer(s) or volunteer group in recognition of their efforts after a thirty (30) day probationary period.

Additional task guidelines include: (1) volunteers should not pick up materials that they suspect might be hazardous, such as needles, bloody objects, or drug paraphernalia (contact the City if these conditions exist), (2) recycle whenever possible and separate glass, plastic and aluminum from other waste materials, and (3) volunteers should not use any power equipment, spray or use any chemicals, or block any pathway or trail in the course of their clean-up activities.

Volunteers should exercise caution at all times to ensure the safety of themselves and other volunteers. Volunteers should adhere to the following safety guidelines while perform clean-up activities:

• Lift all objects with your legs, not your back.
• Wear light or bright colored clothing, hard soled shoes, and sturdy work gloves.
• Use sun block or wear a hat.
• Bring a water bottle and stay well hydrated.
• Watch and take precaution for: snakes and other animals and insects, noxious weeds, glass, barded wire, pipes and debris with sharp or rusted edges, and unexpected holes or ditches.

Volunteer groups shall ensure that all volunteers in the group or organization are familiar with the task and safety guidelines outlined herein.

To participate, please complete the Adopt-A-Park Application.  For any questions about the application or available parks, please call Public Works at 651-275-4100.