Adopt-A-Park Program

The City of Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Department with the financial support of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, has established a public service program for groups to assist in stewardship work in our parks through our Adopt-A-Park Program. Thank you for your interest in being a part of this stewardship program.

WHAT

  • This program may include but not be limited to litter pick up, graffiti removal, invasive plant removal, tree planting, wood mulch placement around trees, tree watering, park beautification, plant identification and barefoot mapping.
  • It is a way for environmentally conscious groups to complement and enhance the regular maintenance schedules of our Nanaimo Parks Staff in contributing to a cleaner, healthier, safer, invasive-free or controlled environment in our parks.

WHO

  • Available to Non Profit Community Groups, Corporate or Private Business Groups, Neighbourhood Groups, Social Clubs or School Groups.
  • Minimum of 6 volunteers/group plus group leader or coordinator.
  • All volunteers must be a minimum of 12 years of age unless approved by City Staff for the Adopt-a-Park Program or individual work party project that is being requested.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • Encourages community spirit and pride. Great Parks Make Great Neighbourhoods!
  • Allows local groups/clubs to take an active role in stewardship of the City’s parks and natural areas.
  • Helps to keep our park system clean, safe and beautiful
  • Provides an opportunity for team building within the involved group or club.
  • In return for this service, approved groups will receive public acknowledgement, certificate of appreciation, and Adopt-A-Park signage with the sponsoring group’s name placed in the park during each individual work party or during the duration of involvement in the park.

PARK PROJECT IDEAS

  • Removal of garbage (done every few months or when needed)
  • Report back to Parks Operations Department on issues in the park that need to be dealt with immediately.
  • Barefoot mapping (plant identification) of chosen park. (redone every 3 – 4 mths to show changes)
  • Identification of invasive plants (placards left for 2-3 weeks for public educational purposes)
  • Identification of common native plants (placards left for 2-3 weeks for public educational purposes)
  • Removal of invasive plants (large work party kit may be signed out for these work parties)
  • Replanting of native plants (working in conjunction with the City Horticulture Supervisor)
  • Care of new plants (ie watering)

AGREEMENT

The City will provide:
  • On site supervision & training for initial work party or orientation session for volunteers or team leaders.
  • An Adopt A Park Kit that will be tailored to the needs of your group for each individual work party or the duration of your agreement and may include items such as:
    • Safety vests for your group members/leaders to wear during work in the park.
    • Loppers/Pruners
    • Basic first aid kits
    • Gardening gloves
    • Sharps Container
    • Garbage bags & Litter Pickers
  • Unused supplies to be returned to the city when commitment is completed.
  • Pick up and disposal of collected litter or invasive plant material (schedule to be coordinated with Parks Staff).
The volunteer group provides:
  • A two year commitment of time and effort (Adopt-a-Park Program Groups will visit a designated park a minimum of 6 times over the year – preferably more frequently)
  • Personal protective equipment (appropriate foot wear/clothing, personal gardening gloves or latex gloves, eye protection if needed)
  • On site supervision of individual’s under 18 years of age
  • On site certified volunteer with basic first aid training (recommended)
  • Signed photo release forms for individual’s under 18, if photos are taken during work party
  • Updates on regular visits and work being done in the park. Use online link to form

Adopt-A-Park Application Form

Number of participants in each age category:

As volunteers under the Adopt-a-Park Program, members of our group or organization understand that our services must be in conformance with the tasks described in the Park Project Ideas and are performed by our group on a volunteer basis.  I understand that our commitment to the Adopt-a-Park program is for a minimum of one year and we are expected to visit our assigned park a minimum of 6 times during this period.  Our involvement in this program will be renewable yearly upon mutual agreement.  We understand that our group is identified with the City of Nanaimo while working in the park and it is our responsibility to:

  • Be courteous in all situations with the public,
  • Follow the guidance and decisions of the City of Nanaimo Parks Operations Department  & City Bylaws,
  • Refer all media contacts to the City of Nanaimo Parks Operations Supervisor.
By checking below, I agree on behalf of my group/organization to the above statement and agree to be notified of environmental stewardship events or opportunities in our community.

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.

Last updated: March 14, 2024

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Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.