Adopt-A-Park 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

• 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).

• 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