Civic Programs

Is your organization, club or business looking for a way to get involved in your community? Through the City of North Port’s Adopt-A-Park program, volunteers can partner with the Parks and Recreation Department to help provide general maintenance and care of neighborhood parks, facilities, landscaped areas, nature trails, and other public areas. Activities may include general park clean-up, landscaping, the contribution of materials, minor repairs and assistance in monitoring the parks for any unusual or suspicious activity and conditions.

Volunteers assume responsibility for an assigned park or section of a park and agree to participate in park improvements a minimum of four (4) times a year for a one year, renewable period. Through the Adopt-A-Park partnerships, volunteers not only help our environment but also contribute to our community and quality of life. For information on the Adopt-A-Park program, call 941-429-PARK (7275).

Who can adopt a park?

Any civic-minded individual, group or organization can adopt a City park. Garden clubs, corporations, Scout groups, student organizations, social clubs, youth sports organizations, and homeowner associations are just a few examples. Adult supervision must be provided for Adopt-A-Park volunteers under 18 years of age.

Which parks have been adopted?

What are the responsibilities of adopting?

By adopting a park, an organization commits to enhancing and maintaining the parkland through tree plantings, pruning, clearing, painting, flower bed preparation, planting and any other approved projects that will enhance the beauty of the park for a one-year period. The adopting group would also monitor the park site for safety conditions and vandalism. Organizations are asked to schedule one volunteer project per quarter to remain active in the program. The program is flexible and can be tailored to your group’s needs and interests.

To adopt a park:

• Identify a park or trail you would like to adopt and the type of project/activity you would like to do.
• Review the Adopt a Park information(PDF, 580KB) and complete the online application. You will be contacted to discuss the adoption procedure within 48-hours of receiving your form. Parks staff will work with your group to identify park needs.
• Make sure all volunteers sign an adult waiver release(PDF, 149KB), as well as a minor waiver release(PDF, 108KB)  if applicable, and submit it to Parks and Recreation Department  prior to participation in the program.
• Recruit and schedule volunteers from your organization to implement the program.
• Submit a quarterly online activity report to the Parks and Recreation Department updating your progress.

What are the benefits?

Volunteer groups and organizations derive great satisfaction from becoming stewards of the City park system and making a positive impact on the community. In addition, the City of North Port will provide a plaque or recognizable sign erected at the adopted park acknowledging the group’s contribution and commitment to the program.

What are the safety guidelines?

For the safety of program participants, park personnel and park users, the City of North Port encourages everyone to adopt a responsible, common-sense approach to safety. Adopt-A-Park participants are expected to accept responsibility for their actions, be safety-conscious at all times, and act with care in order to avoid causing damage to park facilities. Following are some basic safety guidelines:

• Organizations must provide adequate supervision for participants under the age of 18.
• All volunteers must sign a waiver prior to participating, and a parent/guardian must sign for anyone in their care who is under the age of 18.
• Volunteer groups are prohibited from modifying field conditions, entering into facilities or buildings, moving equipment or creating situations that may be hazardous without prior authorization from the Parks & Recreation Department.
• When threatening weather is present, all activity must cease to ensure the safety of every volunteer.
• Volunteers should not perform any activity outside of their physical capabilities.
• The use of power tools and motor-driven equipment is discouraged unless pre-authorized by the Parks & Recreation Department.
• Volunteers must wear appropriate clothing and shoes and use sunscreen.
• Work during daylight hours only and drink plenty of fluids during hot, humid weather.
• Be alert to the presence of bees and other stinging and biting insects. Apply insect repellent when necessary.
• Be aware of traffic when working close to roadways.
• Avoid picking up discarded syringes and/or needles, or coming into contact with unknown chemicals.
• Do not approach unfamiliar animals or pets.

The following forms need to be filled out and submitted to the Parks & Recreation Department:

• Adopt-A-Park Information(PDF, 580KB)
• Adopt-A-Park Online Application
• Adopt-A-Park Adult Waiver(PDF, 149KB)
  
• Adopt-A Park Minor Waiver(PDF, 103KB)
• Activity Report

Honor. Celebrate. Remember.

Whatever the occasion, your donation to the City of North Port parks system will leave a lasting impact on our community.

If you’re interested in honoring your friends and loved ones, consider the purchase of a tree, bench or paver with North Port Parks & Recreation. You’ll have the opportunity to select from a variety of park locations and may select one of four pre-determined messages you’d like displayed. Please note that pavers are only available as part of the Children's Memorial at Atwater Community Park (4475 Skyway) or at the Garden of the Five Senses (4299 Pan American Blvd.).

The parks and open spaces in the City of North Port are an integral part of the community that enhance livability, sustainability and economic vitality. Contributions to the Tribute Program will be acknowledged with a plaque (as applicable) and letter of completion. Fees include:

• Tree, bench or paver
• Installation (labor and materials)
• Plaque and engraving (as applicable)
• Routine maintenance during the donation period
• One-time replacement based on program guidelines
• Letter of completion

Donations may be tax-deductible in support of the City of North Port. Please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 941-429-PARK (7275) for more information.  

To apply for the Tribute Program, please complete the online application.

This program is governed by the Tribute Program Administrative Regulation(PDF, 152KB).

About the Program

The City of North Port's Parks & Recreation Department and the Social Services Division has established a recreation scholarship fund to help North Port youth who do not have the financial means to participate in recreation programs. Through this program, qualifying North Port residents age 17 and under may receive scholarships to participate in two (2) recreation or aquatic programs for the Winter/Spring and the Summer/Fall seasons, and/or two (2) weeks of summer camp. Applications for the Recreation Scholarship program are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. All information is handled confidentially.

To qualify, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. The child's household must have a yearly gross income that is at or below 150% poverty based on the most recent poverty guidelines published in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. The child's parent or guardian must provide current proof of North Port residency.
3. The child must be 17 or younger. Scholarships will be granted on a first-come, first-served bases, as funding is available.

4. To utilize the scholarship for the Learn to Swim program, the applicant must have swimming abilities lower than the exit skills for the American Red Cross, Learn to Swim, Level 3 program.

To apply, download the application(PDF, 217KB) and submit it in person at the George Mullen Activity Center, the Morgan Family Community Center, or the North Port Aquatic Center. Completed applications can also be sent to Parks@NorthPortFL.gov or fill out and submit an application online.

Donations

Potentially tax-deductible donations to the scholarship program are accepted from individuals, businesses, and community groups interested in having a direct, life-enhancing impact on a local child or teen. One hundred percent of donations go directly to support scholarships for City of North Port youth. To donate toward a specific program, please indicate at time of donation. Donations can be made online or in person.

For more information or assistance with donations, please call 941-429-7275 or email at Parks@NorthPortFL.gov. 

Who is Eligible for the Youth Scholarship Program? 

This program provides qualifying North Port residents age 17 and under scholarships to participate in two (2) recreation or aquatic programs for the Winter/Spring and the Summer/Fall seasons, and/or two (2) weeks of summer camp per year. To qualify the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. The child's household must have a yearly gross income that is at or below 150% poverty based on the most recent poverty guidelines published in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. The child's parent or guardian must provide current proof of North Port residency.
3. The child must be 17 or younger.
4. To utilize the scholarship for the Learn to Swim program, the applicant must have swimming abilities lower than the exit skills for the American Red Cross, Learn to Swim, Level 3 program.

Scholarships will be granted on a first-come, first-served bases, as funding is available. Scholarships shall be limited as follows:

• Two Recreation or Aquatic Programs per child for the Winter/Spring and Summer/Fall season.
• Two weeks of Summer Day Camp per child.

Notice/Registration

Upon approval and funding of a scholarship, the Parks & Recreation Department will reserve a tentative space for the child in the applicable Recreation Program. The Parks & Recreation Department must notify the applicant of their approved scholarship within two (2) weeks of approval. A child granted a scholarship under the Program must be registered for their funded Recreation Program within two (2) weeks of receiving notice from the Parks & Recreation Department.

Program Cancellation/Withdrawal

If a program is cancelled or the child is unable to participate in the program, granted scholarship funds will be returned to the program balance.

Contact

For more information, or assistance with applying, please contact North Port Parks and Recreation at 941-429-PARK(7275) or email Parks@CityOfNorthPort.com.