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 & 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?
| Park |
Organization/Business |
| Atwater Park |
Making FL Dreams |
| Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail |
Neighborhood Land Conservancy of North Port |
| Warm Mineral Springs Park |
Neighbors and Friends of Warm Mineral Springs |
| Dallas White Park |
Wellen Park Jr. Eagles Athletic Association |
| Garden of the Five Senses |
North Port Lions Club |
| Boca Chica Neighborhood Park |
Neighborhood Land Conservancy of North Port |
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, 131KB), as well as a minor waiver release(PDF, 113KB) if applicable, and submit it to the Parks & 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 & 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: