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1. What are the requirements and the benefits?

By adopting a park, your Volunteer Group agrees to visit that area a minimum of 4 (four) times per year to help clean and maintain the park and makes notes of any condition at the park that requires the attention of the park maintenance staff. Some Volunteer Groups would prefer to adopt a "spot" such as a specific area within a larger park, a walking path or hiking trail, a courtyard at a library or municipal building, or a planting area around a community center. By adopting a park or a spot, your group helps to keep City facilities clean and maintained. It also allows park maintenance personnel more time to focus on major replacement and repair work, special events, and other improvements that benefit all citizens of Chesapeake. Most importantly, your Volunteer Group will be able to take pride in the fact that you will be helping to keep Chesapeake one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

2. What are typical tasks to be performed?

The type of cleaning and maintenance activities to be carried out can vary by location, but the following activities are generally and typically involved:

• Picking up litter
• Sweeping courts and pathways
• Collecting brush
• Weed eating, trimming
• Making minor repairs
• Painting signs, tables, shelters
• Removing graffiti
• Shrubs and landscaping, mulching
• Reporting vandalism and unlawful activities
• Reporting unsafe conditions and major maintenance needs

The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will provide trash bags, gloves, brooms, rakes, hand tools, paint, paint brushes, and other supplies/equipment needed to clean and maintain an adopted park.

3. How will my efforts be recognized?

First, adopting and caring for your neighborhood park builds a positive image for your organization. The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will have an Adopt-A-Park sign made identifying the Volunteer Group and erect it at the adopted park or spot.

4. What are the program procedures?

A Volunteer Group interested in a program or project must complete the application and return it to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Once returned, applications will be reviewed for eligibility and safety, relative to the park or spot desired for adoption. Parks, Recreation and Tourism is available to assist in selecting a park appropriate for the Volunteer Group.

Upon approval of its application, the Volunteer Group will be provided with, and must execute, an Adoption Agreement before performing any tasks. Volunteer Safety Guidelines and Waiver Forms must also be completed and signed by all volunteer participants on the day of the activity and returned to the Department. The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will provide information packets for distribution to volunteer participants. City staff may hold a safety and orientation meeting with the Volunteer Group prior to the first activity.