Partners In Parks

Connecting people to parks in a safe and responsible way.

Helping To Protect and Preserve Our Parks, Trails and Natural Areas
As Richmond’s population begins to grow, so does the human impact on our parks, trails, and natural areas.  To preserve the integrity of these vital community spaces and retain the quality of experience for residents, the City of Richmond has launched the Partners in Parks program.  The goal of this project is to enhance public knowledge on park etiquette while creating an archive of statistical information on park usage.

Partners in Parks Volunteers are friendly citizens who enjoy being outdoors.  They take pride in helping to ensure our parks are being used appropriately and play a vital role in connecting people to parks in a safe and responsible way.

The Role of Partners in Parks Volunteers

• Greet park users and answer questions
• Observe and record park user activity
• Reward park users for exemplary behaviour
• Distribute educational brochures

Responsibilities of Partners in Parks... becoming involved in a meaningful way

1. Being a Parks Ambassador
   • Establishing a positive presence as an identifiable Partners in Parks volunteer
   • Greeting park users and answering questions
   • Distributing educational materials
   • Basic interpretation on park features, plant life, and heritage
     
2. Environmental Stewardship
   • Becoming involved in park beautification and environmental sustainability projects
   • Assisting with the identification and removal of invasive plant species.
3. Data Collection
   • Collecting statistics on park user activities and infractions
   • Completing surveys, questionnaires, and inventories
   •  Assisting with the identification of invasive plant species (like Purple Loosestrife and Himalayan Blackberry)

Do you have what it takes? 
Requirements and skills needed to be a Partners in Parks Volunteer

Requirements:

• Must be at least 15 years of age
• Attendance at training sessions
• Agreement to work in accordance with the policies, procedures, and standards set by the City of Richmond
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check

Essential Skills and Abilities to be a Partners in Parks Volunteer

• Good people skills
• Enjoy working outdoors
• Take pride in serving the community
• Ability to work with others
• Ability to speak multiple languages is an asset

Partnership Benefits...  what is in it for you?

The Benefits of Partnership include:

• Promoting a healthy and safe environment for park users
• Performing a community service
• Gathering knowledge and experience for resume
• Fulfilling career or work experience hours for school
• Meeting new people
• Improving communication skills
• Receiving recognition for volunteer efforts
• Receiving Partners in Parks apparel

To apply online for the Partners in Parks Program, please see online application form.