Adopt a Park

Adopt a Park Program

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DUTIES NEEDED:

TRASH & LITTER PICKUP FLUFFING PLAYGROUND WOOD CHIPS TIDY PAVILION AREAS SWEEP HARD SURFACES REPORT VANDALISM, UNSAFE CONDITIONS & NECESSARY REPAIRS

ADOPT TODAY!

For more information on adopting a Sikeston park, please email Abbi Lindsey at alindsey@sikeston.org

Any local individual or group such as families, businesses or other organizations can "adopt" any park in Sikeston. Some parks are large and may be adopted by multiple volunteers.

WHO CAN ADOPT?

Any local individual or group such as families, businesses or other organizations can "adopt" any park in Sikeston. Some parks are large and may be adopted by multiple volunteers. 

WHAT'S THE COST?

There is no charge to adopt a Sikeston park! Time commitments are needed to complete clean-up tasks. The Sikeston Parks and Rec Dept will provide volunteers with all cleaning supplies needed.

IS THERE RECOGNITION?

Absolutely! We value all who volunteer to help maintain Sikeston parks! After three months of documented monthly service, a sign will be placed in the park or trail recognizing the adopting volunteer or group. The sign will remain in the park or trail as long as there is a current Volunteer contract.

MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND PROGRAM PLANNING

Mission:

The Sikeston Parks and Recreation Department mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities, while providing safe, inviting, and well maintained parks and facilities.

Vision:

The Sikeston Parks and Recreation Department strives to exceed the needs of our diverse community with a collaborative and innovative approach.

Values:

Community
Fiscal Responsibility
Partnerships
Equity
Sustainability
Leadership
Integrity

PROGRAM PLANNING:

This program is designed to encourage the community to take a hands-on approach to help keep the Sikeston’s parks and trails clean, safe and attractive for residents and visitors through debris pick-up and beautification activities. Adopt-a-Park offers the opportunity for people to get more involved in their community in a way that promotes civic pride, appreciation, awareness and quality of life. Groups wishing to adopt a park or trail shall have a mission that does not conflict with the Sikeston Parks & Recreation Department’s mission, including its initiatives to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles in a family friendly environment. Sikeston Parks & Recreation reserves the right to deny requests from groups whose mission goals or history is counter intuitive to our mission. We hope you are just as excited to become a part of a program that will make Sikeston be seen as the beautiful community it is. 

GUDELINES AND LEVELS OF COMMITMENT

GUIDELINES:

Your group, business or organization will work with staff in determining which park will benfit most from your efforts and will be most convenient for your volunteers. 

  • The parks/trails are assigned to groups on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Group leaders will ensure that all group participants are aware of the Adopt-a-Park guidelines and sign a waiver.
  • Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Application & Waiver must be signed and approved by Sikeston Parks and Recreation prior to beginning any clean-up efforts.
  • Participants under 18 years of age must have adequate adult supervision (a 1:5 ratio is recommended)
  • The group leader must choose a level of commitment and follow the guidelines set for that level.
  • The group leader will sign the Adopt-a-Park Promise.
  • The group leader will submit volunteer tracking forms monthly to record volunteer hours and activities performed for the Sikeston Parks and Recreation Department by the 5th of each month.
  • The group leader will arrange trash bag pick-up times with the Sikeston Parks and Recreation Department following the completion of their volunteered time,
  • The Sikeston Parks and Recreation Department will provide volunteers with the appropriate supplies, materials and tools needed to complete their volunteer efforts within a business day's request.
  • Report items or grounds in need of attention or repair, especially when a safety concern exists.
  • Sikeston Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for mowing, trimming shrubs and tree removal along with other duties related to park management. Unless the level of commitment requires adoptee to provide that service as part of their commitment.
LEVELS OF COMMITMENT:

When you decide to become a volunteer there are different levels of commitment to choose which provide multiple options including community groups, corporate and individual volunteers. An additional level of commitment in the form of donations or sponsorships from individuals, businesses or organizations may be accomplished by contributing monetarily or with tangible goods.

Adopt-a-Park groups may contribute labor and skills in their park. With advance planning, Sikeston Parks & Recreation Department will approve and supply materials and assist with equipment and tools. Adopting groups are encouraged to plan activities such as picnics, games, walks, and clean-up days in their adopted park throughout the year. Recognition for volunteers will be provided once commitments have been proven to be met.

INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS
  • Park Clean-Up: responsible for scheduling cleanup twice per month at the park to remove trash and debris.
  • Length of Contract: One year, renewable.
NA OR NIA
  • Park Clean-Up: Responsible for scheduling cleanups twice per month at the park to remove trash and debris.
  • Park Enhancements: Assisting department as requested. Planting trees and/or flowers where needed, Sikeston Parks and Recreation will determine this.
BUSINESS OR CORPORATE
  • Has the option of a particular park for adoption or a particular improvement for existing parks by providing either funds, material, labor or any combination thereof.
    • Example: Someone who wants to sponsor or adopt a playground - they approach SPR who will inform them as to which park has a need for a playground. The adopting group may select the park of their choice.
    • Example: A company specializing in irrigation wants to provide an irrigation system for Park A - after approval and an agreement is established with SPR, the company may install and maintain the irrigation system in the adopted park.
RESPONSIBILITIES

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Place filled trash bags along the sidewalk, street edging or near trash receptacles for pickup. Contact SPR to schedule the removal and disposal of all materials collected when it exceeds the existing trash containers in the park or along a trail.
  • Designate a group leader as the primary contact.
  • Your time within your adopted park should be enjoyable and above all, fun! Make sure to advertise your event within your group and invite others to help too.
  • After clean-up efforts, please take time to enjoy your surroundings by holding a picnic, BBQ or outdoor games.
  • Follow all safety guidelines and make sure to plan your outing during regular park business hours.
  • Be sure to post fun photos and videos about your experience within your adopted park on your social media and be sure to tag Sikeston Parks and Recreation's Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat accounts.

SIKESTON PARKS AND REC RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Sikeston Parks and Recreation will provide trash bags and gloves for trash clean-up services. We will also provide rakes and/or shovels for wood chip fluffing.
  • SPR is responsible for all landscaping (mowing, tree removal, etc.) unless noted in the Volunteer Application.
  • Removing all filled trash bags for litter pick-up and large, heavy or hazardous items found in the park or along any trails.
  • The Volunteer Services Coordinator will provide the necessary reporting forms to the volunteer leader for tracking purposes. The Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC) will follow up on necessary repairs as reported by the volunteer group.
  • SPR reserves the right to terminate the Volunteer Application and remove the Adopt-a-Park sign when, in its sole judgement, it has determined that the volunteer has not met the terms of the program.
  • Either party may cancel the Volunteer Application with a 30-day written notification.
  • Recognize efforts of individual, group or company.
RECOGNITION

ARE VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED?

After three months of documented monthly service, a sign will be placed in the park or trail recognizing the adopting volunteer or group. A sign will remain in the park or trail as long as there is a current Volunteer Application and service is continued.

When Volunteers discontinue their services, Adopt-a-Park signs will be removed. Sikeston Parks and Recreation will hold earned signs for three months prior to discarding.

EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK

In the event that the adopted park/trail is inadequately or inconsistently maintained, abandoned or if the group fails to submit monthly tracking forms for three consecutive months, Sikeston Parks and Recreation shall give the volunteer a 30-day written notification cancelling the Volunteer Promise. Signage in the adopted park/trail is the property of Sikeston Parks and Recreation. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Email Abbi Lindsey at alindsey@sikeston.org for an email application or visit the Clinton Building at 501 Campanella Dr, Sikeston, MO 63801 for a paper application.