PROGRAM GUIDE FOR PARK ADOPTERS
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PROGRAM GUIDE FOR PARK ADOPTERS
Table of Contents
Section Page
1 Adopt-A-Park Program --------------- 2
2 Eligible Sites ---------------------------- 2
3 How it Works ---------------------------- 2
4 Why Adopt a Park? -------------------- 4
5 What will it Cost? ---------------------- 4
6 Adopter Signs --------------------------- 5
7 How Much Involvement? ------------- 6
8 Partnership Conditions---------------- 7
9 Ideas for Adopt-A-Park Partners --- 13
10 Environmental Projects --------------- 16
11 Contact Information ------------------- 22
1
1. Adopt-A-Park Program
The City of London encourages civic clubs, local
businesses, neighbourhood associations, sports clubs
or teams, faith groups and school groups to get
involved in the preservation and enhancement of our
many great parks, cul-de-sacs and roundabouts.
City parks are enjoyed by many residents and
appreciated by all.
By participating in the Adopt-A-Park Program,
volunteers donate time and resources to give special
care to a City park by helping to maintain, beautify,
enhance and keep the park safe for all to enjoy.
2. Eligible Sites
Eligible sites include any of our over 400 designated
parks. To select a site please contact the City of
London’s Community Projects Coordinator at (519)
661-4980 who will happily work with you to find the
perfect match!
3. How it Works
Once a park has been selected, the group will
commit to help maintain the adopted area for a
minimum of two years. Within those two years, the
group will lead a minimum of two cleanups per
adopted year.
Park adopters may also organize events,
environmental stewardship projects or community
development initiatives, with the approval of City of
London staff.
2
Projects and /or activities can include, but
are not limited to:
Litter pick-up
Debris removal
Park or trail ‘weeding’
Reporting vandalism
Tree planting and care
Graffiti removal
Within the program there is also opportunity to
initiate new projects and to participate in annual
events. Some examples include:
Community development projects like:
o Creating community gardens
o Preparation of plant identification lists
o Raising funds for park upgrades, and
more.
Community Park events like:
o Spring & Autumn Cleanups
o Park Stewardship events
o Plant-A-Flower Day;
o Take-A-Walk-Through-the-Park-Day
o Take-A-Hike-Day, and more
The City of London will provide support for each
group during the adopted period and coordinate
“onsite” staff support when needed. The City of
London Parks Operations staff will continue to provide
regular maintenance to each group’s adopted area,
but with your help we can accomplish more.
3
4. Why Adopt a Park?
Your commitment to the community is crucial in
keeping our parks clean, safe and beautiful. As a
special ‘thank you’, the City of London will
acknowledge your commitment and dedication with an
official ‘Adopt-A-Park Partner Sign’, as well as a
‘Certificate of Park Adoption’, upon registration and a
‘Certificate of Appreciation’ upon fulfillment and
completion of the adopter’s two-year commitment
period.
By becoming a City of London Adopt-A-Park Partner
you can:
Help beautify parks and community
Gain a sense of community and park pride
Help preserve natural areas
Enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity
Help reduce crime and vandalism
Lead by example
Help with recruiting more groups to
participate
Contribute to the “Quality of Life” in London
4
5. What will it Cost?
All that is required is your time. However, you may
wish to further your involvement by raising funds to
plant trees, improve facilities, or any other initiative to
beautify your adopted park.
6. Adopter Sign
In recognition of community pride and commitment,
all Adopt-A-Park partners will be provided a 2’ x 2’ park
sign for their location. The sign will have the adopting
group’s name along with the Adopt-A-Park program
contact number, City of London logo and the London
Strengthening Neighbourhoods Strategy logo.
5
7. How much involvement is
Required?
We require a minimum of two clean-ups per year.
However your group is encourage to do more if you
would like to. Please see page 21 for Adopt-A-Park
Project Guidelines.
6
8. Partnership Conditions
The City of London and the community as a whole
recognize the benefits of operating and maintaining
clean and visually appealing parks.
The Adopt-A-Park Program is designed to facilitate
community group involvement in keeping City parks
clean and litter-free.
Groups have the option of providing park cleanup
crews, assisting with park landscaping, and other
event activities designed to improve the City’s parks.
By signature, the volunteer group acknowledges the
potentially hazardous nature of the work to be
performed and agrees to the following terms and
conditions:
a. All group members shall sign a Release;
Waiver and Agreement before they are
permitted to participate in a park cleanup,
maintenance, and/or event activity.
b. If an organization is intending to add to,
change or improve the physical nature of
their adopted park, approval must be granted
by the City of London. Groups will be notified
about the success of their park project
submission.
c. Any group containing personnel younger
than 18 years of age must have adequate
adult supervision.
d. All work shall be done in accordance
with the City’s noise ordinance. All City parks
close at dusk.
e. The group shall place filled trash bags at
an agreed upon site for pickup and disposal.
7
f. Any other modifications to the park i.e.
planting, mulching, landscaping, must be pre-
approved by Environmental and Park
Planning (well in advance).
g. Groups will meet with City of London
Environmental and Park Planning prior to
participation in the program to:
o Be instructed on the safety risks and the
City of London’s expectations of the Adopt-
A-Park participants.
o Outline a program or schedule for
participants.
The Adopt-A-Park program is a voluntary program.
The City of London does not provide insurance for
participant volunteers. Participants must abide by any
applicable legislative requirements when engaging in
maintenance activities.
City of London Responsibilities
The City of London agrees to provide to the Adopt-A-
Park Partner:
1. A Welcome Package
2. A map of the adopted area
3. A “Certificate of Adoption”
4. An installed “Adopt-A-Park” sign
5. A “Certificate of Appreciation” upon
successful completion of the two year
adoption
6. Support and supplies during
8
clean up events, such as gloves and garbage
bags. (Please note: staff assistance,
materials and equipment are subject to
availability).
7. A ‘Sharps’ kit or on-call staff for safely
dealing with needles when requested
8. Removal of garbage bags, litter, debris and
recycling after a cleanup event at a
predetermined site.
9. A Graffiti cleanup kit when requested.
9Adopt-A-Park Partner Responsibilities
The Adopt-A-Park Partner agrees to the following:
1. Conduct a minimum of two clean up events
per year, (four activities over the two-year
park adoption period). It is a good idea to
plan cleanups, environmental projects or
community events to coincide with nationally
recognized environmental celebrations and
London’s Clean and Green event. Early
notification of an adopter’s event or initiative
helps the City of London to be able to
properly assist an Adopt-A-Park Partner.
2. Sign and return a Volunteer Waiver to the
Community Projects Coordinator for each
activity within the park.
3. Notify the City of London in advance of
park events and activities allowing staff
ample time to support your initiative by
providing the appropriate materials and
equipment.
4. Cleanup debris should be recycled
whenever possible by placing the
recyclables in a clear bag for recycling.
With a small about of recyclables we
encourage the group to take them home to
add their home recycling. Otherwise bags
can be left with other garbage for pick up.
105. Advise and obtain written approval from the
parent and /or guardians of all youth and
children under the age of 18 years, taking
part in the program prior to participation.
6. Advise the Community Projects Co-ordinator
of any change in contact information related
to the Adopt-A-Park Partner.
7. Adopt-A-Park Partners are encouraged to
submit photos taken at their cleanup,
activities and events. These photos (along
with media release forms) will be used to
further promote the work of the Adopt-A-Park
Partners and the Adopt-A-Park Program.
8. Submit the City of London ‘Media Release’
form for all participants anytime photos are
submitted so that the City of London staff
may publish them.
9. Complete and submit the ‘Adopter Activity
Report’ twice per year (4 reports for the 2
year adoption period). The Report and
submission schedule, will be provided to
each Adopt-A-Park Partner in their Welcome
Package.
10. All reports will be reviewed by City of London
staff. After the successful completion of four
Adopt-A-Park activities over 2 years the
Adopt-A-Park Partners will receive a
‘Certificate of Appreciation’ and an automatic
renewal of their Adopt-A-Park status
11Adopt-A-Park Partnership Conditions
The City of London has the right to terminate an
agreement if an Adopt-A-Park Partner does not meet
the terms and conditions of the program agreement.
The City of London may establish other procedures
and requirements for the administration of its Adopt-A-
Park program at any time.
129. Ideas for Adopt-A-Park Partners
Annual Environmental Celebrations
Some event ideas to get Adopt-A-Park Partners
started are listed below. These are opportunities to
get active and contribute to the beautification in your
neighbourhood park!
13Approximate CELEBRATION
Annual Event
Dates
Anytime Sponsor a Youth Park
Stewardship
Anytime Adopt-A-Park Partner cleanup
February 2 – 8 National Green Week
February 16 Family Day
March 12 Plant-A-Flower-Day
March 22 World Day for Water
March 28 Earth Hour
April 1 – 30 Earth Month
1st week of April National Wildlife Week
April 19 – 25 National Volunteer Week
April 20 Clean and Green Community
Clean Up Day
April 22 Earth Day
April 24 Plant- A-Tree Day
May 1 – 7 National Youth Week
May 17 – 23 Energy Conservation Week
June 1 – 30 Great Outdoors Month
June 5 World Environment Day
June 6 National Trails Day
June 15 Nature Photography Day
June 16 Blooms Day
1st week of June Canadian Environmental Week
2nd Sunday in Canadian Rivers Day
June
June 23 UN Public Service Day
July 18 Canadian Parks Day
September 6 Impact Day
3rd week of Great Canadian Shoreline
September Cleanup
3rd week of Waste Reduction Week
October
November 20 Universal Children’s Day
14General Cleanups
Cleanups can be done anytime of the year!
Adopt-A-Park Partners don’t need to wait for the
Spring or Fall to organize their cleanups.
Groups can plan their park cleanup campaigns daily,
weekly or monthly with dates and times that best suit
the needs of the volunteers.
Please provide the City of London staff two weeks
notification as to when your group is planning a
cleanup, and we will ensure that your group receives
requested cleanup materials and equipment.
1510. Environmental Projects
With input and on-site staff support from the City of
London staff, Adopt-A-Park Partners can arrange and
organize a variety of environmental activities in their
park.
City of London staff require 2 weeks notice to ensure
your group receives instructional staff, applicable
materials and equipment (materials and equipment are
subject to availability).
Host a Youth Park Stewardship Event
Engage youth in your community!
Help local students in your area earn their community
service hours and create a positive impact on the
natural environment. Youth Park Stewardship
maintenance projects and activities are easy to
organize and can be done anytime of the year!
With input and guidance from the City of London staff,
groups can plan their Youth Park Stewardship
maintenance activities daily, weekly or monthly with
dates and times that best suit the needs of the youth.
Projects can include:
Graffiti removal on underpasses,
picnic tables, walls, etc.
Debris removal
16 Tree mulching
Tree planting
Flower and bulb planting
Park / trail weeding activities
Environmental Education
17Planting & Naturalization Projects
Tree Mulching / Weeding
Did you know that by planting 20 million trees, the
earth will be provided with 260 million more tons of
oxygen (O2)? These same 20 million trees will remove
10 million tons of carbon dioxide (C02). So come on
Adopt-A-Park Partners – let’s get busy!
Tree planting activities are a great way to engage your
group in making a positive impact on the environment
while beautifying your community. With input and on-
site staff support from City of London staff, tree
planting activities are easy to organize.
With thorough preplanning, tree plantings can be
accommodated during the spring and fall seasons.
Did you know that mulching cuts down the number of
weeds that compete with small trees for vital nutrients
and water, meaning that no chemical controls are
needed?
To find out more about a tree planting, mulching and
weeding contact the Community Projects Coordinator.
18Native Wild Flower or Bulb Planting Projects
Did you know that current flower garden trends
suggest a movement away from individual flower
species toward the creation of whole habitats?
Butterfly and native species gardens are ideal for
creating local habitats and food sources for many
types of colourful butterflies, moths, and other insects
and birds.
With input and guidance from the City of London staff
and on-site support, native flower and bulb planting
activities are easy to organize in the spring or the fall
seasons.
19Graffiti Removal
Keeping our park system beautiful is everyone’s
responsibility.
By taking the time and effort to remove graffiti from
underpasses, bridges, signs, picnic tables, facility walls
and other sports venue amenities, Adopt-A-Park
Partners are taking pride in their community and
making a difference.
If interested, please request a Graffiti Kit from the
Community Projects Coordinator.
20Adopt-A-Park Project Guidelines
1. All maintenance projects and activities must
be pre-approved by City of London.
2. Staff assistance, materials and equipment
are subject to availability.
3. It is highly recommended that all participants
dress appropriately with thick soled, closed-
toe shoes, long pants and work gloves.
4. Adopt-A-Park Partners are responsible for
the purchase of all preauthorized paint
supplies.
5. The marketing of a Youth Park
Stewardship or any other related event is the
responsibility of the Adopt-A-Park Partner.
6. Adopt-A-Park Partners are responsible for
the purchase of all preauthorized native
flower and bulb species.
2111. Contact information for Adopt-A-Park
Partners
1. Community Projects Coordinator
Contact for any questions about the Adopt-A-Park
program including proposals for plantings, mulching,
naturalization projects, and any other beautification
project.
Phone: (519) 661-4980
Email: adoptapark@london.ca
2. Park Maintenance and Operations
Contact for any questions about repairs to park
equipment including benches, play structure and
damaged trees. Contact also for help with
hazardous materials found in your park.
Phone: 519 661-2500 Ext.5268
Email: dlclarke@london.ca
3. After Hours Dispatch
Contact for urgent park matters on evenings and
weekends.
Phone: 519-661-4965
Last updated: March 28, 2013
22Have Fun and Be Creative!
Adopt-A-Park Partners are encouraged to research,
design and organize their own ideas and initiatives for
park projects, events and activities.
Please take the time to discuss your options with other
members of your group and prepare a proposal to City
of London staff.
The City of London’s annual Sparks! Neighbourhood
Matching Fund also provides opportunities for
neighbourhood event and project funding! Visit
www.london.ca/sparks
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