Parks and Recreation Volunteer Handbook
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Mission Statement
To meet the parks and recreational needs of all by providing a safe and diversified
park system that encourages community pride, visionary planning and operations,
and environmental stewardship.
Welcome to Fayetteville Parks and Recreation! We are excited about your interest in volunteering
and hope you will enjoy being involved with our community. This Volunteer Handbook provides information
on Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, its facilities and services, volunteer opportunities and specific instructions
on policies and procedures.
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities on its numerous acres of park
land, lakes and trails. Park land also includes natural areas, community and neighborhood parks, streetscapes
and public lands. Opportunities are available for volunteers along trail and creek corridors, with sporting
programs, in gardens and landscapes, in community gardens, at community centers, dog parks and sports
facilities.
The Program: Purpose, Benefits, and Recognition
The purpose of the Volunteer Program is to provide rewarding opportunities for citizens to get involved in their
community and to support our mission. Volunteers provide invaluable assistance through various activities.
Volunteering is rewarding. People gain knowledge about their community and special projects, they expand
and share experiences, make new friends, and discover new interests and abilities. One of the greatest rewards
of volunteering is the sense of personal achievement and satisfaction of helping an organization succeed. There
are also tangible benefits including:
Volunteer hours are accepted as service group requirements.
Lunch for two group representatives is on us at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
Signage with your name, company or group name will be placed at parks and trails that are officially
adopted.
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How Do I Start and Participate?
Volunteers can sign up any time throughout the year by phone, e-mails, or at the Parks and Recreation Office.
Fill out and return the Volunteer Application at the end of this document and you will be contacted by a
Volunteer Coordinator.
Communicate your work date to a Volunteer Coordinator at least two weeks in advance of the event.
Designate a representative who will be responsible for scheduling, organizing and activity reporting.
Your efforts are very important to us! Report within 24 hours the date, total number of hours and
volunteers, and activities to the appropriate Volunteer Coordinator.
Certain programs require orientation and training. Habitat Restoration event volunteers are oriented
and trained on-site just prior and during volunteer events.
V
olunteer Opportunities
Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail are components of the Volunteer Program. Adopters are required to
work three times per year. The first work session must occur within six months of adopting, followed by two
additional work dates before the year’s end. After these requirements are met and the Adopter commits to
continue, a sign with your organization name will be installed at the park or trail you choose to adopt.
Tidiness Efforts include litter cleanup from grounds, trails, and creeks.
Garden & Grounds Maintenance includes assisting with garden tasks, painting and cleaning of facilities.
Environmental Projects through the Adopt program, provide a way for volunteers to commit to working
with City staff to achieve common goals of preserving Fayetteville’s ecological assets and natural heritage,
while gaining education through the process. Individuals who volunteer for invasive species and habitat
restoration projects often take that knowledge home to use in their own back yards.
Business Donations – Businesses are welcome to participate in the Adopt programs through making
donations! Similar to the regular volunteering commitment, we ask that businesses donate food, snacks or
beverages depending on the event need, for 20-30 people, three times per year. This is a great way to support
the program and our hard working volunteers. Your sign will be placed at the park or trail of your choosing, on
a first come, first served basis, with a limit of three business signs per park.
We endeavor to match volunteers with tasks and options that best suit their group size, interests and talents.
This in turn ensures a positive and productive experience for both the volunteer and Parks and Recreation
programs and events. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Fayetteville Parks and
Recreation for further information:
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, Volunteer Coordinator
Kristina Jones
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation
1455 S. Happy Hollow Rd
Fayetteville AR 72701
Phone (479) 444--3467
Fax: (479) 521-7714
E-mail: parksvolunteer@fayetteville-ar.gov
Website: www.fayetteville-ar.gov
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Who can volunteer?
Everyone is welcome! Non-profit organizations, Corporations, Businesses, Clubs, Master Gardeners and
Naturalists, Neighborhood Associations, Scouts and individuals are volunteers.
Volunteer Options
Officially Adopt-A-Park or Trail three times per year and commit to continue.
Work on an “As-Needed” basis periodically with no long term commitment.
Work on a Special Project or Process – examples include Eagle Scouts and Master Gardeners and Master
Naturalists, or an ongoing habitat restoration.
What else do I need to know?
Safety and Personal Protective Equipment Depending on the jobs performed, safety equipment such as gloves,
goggles, sturdy shoes, earplugs, sun hats, or sunscreen may be appropriate. The Volunteer Coordinator will discuss this
with volunteers so you can be as comfortable as possible. Gloves and tools are provided by Fayetteville Parks and
Recreation. It is vital that all volunteers wear close-toed shoes.
Absences Volunteers who cannot report for their job assignments should notify the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as
possible. If it is necessary to cancel a scheduled day, please speak with Parks and Recreation Staff member in
advance of your scheduled work date.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Volunteers who are disabled should bring those needs to the attention of the
Volunteer Coordinator. Fayetteville Parks and Recreation complies with ADA guidelines and will make every effort to
accommodate whenever possible.
Dress Code We want you to be comfortable and wear appropriate clothing for the task assigned; we ask that our
volunteers project a professional image in their attire.
Drug Free Workplace Fayetteville Parks and Recreation has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and efficient work
environment for volunteers and employees. Use of drugs or alcohol, or being in an impaired condition is not tolerated.
Violation of this policy will result in the termination of one’s status as a volunteer.
Plant Collection No plants or seeds may be installed or removed from any park property unless authorized by a
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Staff Member.
Harassment
No volunteer should experience any harassment. Incidents of this nature should be reported immediately to
the Volunteer Coordinator or Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Director or staff member for investigation.
Weather
If there is inclement weather, you may reschedule your workday with the appropriate Volunteer Coordinator.
Emergency
Any volunteer who observes a medical or any other type of emergency should call 911 first then contact a
Parks and Recreation staff member.
Grievances about work-related issues should be discussed with an appropriate Parks Division Staff Member. Every
attempt will be made to resolve a problem through a discussion process. However, if a matter remains unresolved, it will
be referred to the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Director so a final resolution can be reached.
Park Patron Relations As a volunteer you represent Fayetteville and have an important role to play in enhancing the
visitor’s perception of Fayetteville Parks. Volunteers should always be friendly and helpful. If a visitor’s question cannot
be answered, the visitor should be directed to an appropriate staff member for an answer. If a volunteer observes
inappropriate behavior from a visitor, they should report the problem immediately to the Volunteer Coordinator or the
group representative.
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Volunteer Application
Please select area of interest: Adopt Program Habitat Restoration Business Donation
______________________________________________________________ ______________________
Individual or Organization Name Date
_______________________________ ____________________________ ______________________
Primary Contact Secondary Contact Emergency Contact
_______________________________ ____________________________ ______________________
Address/Organization Permanent Address Permanent Address Address
_______________________________ ____________________________ (_____) ______-_________
City, State, Zip City, State, Zip Emergency Phone Number
(_____) ________-_______________ (_____) ________-_____________ ______________________
Phone Number Phone Number Relationship
(_____) ________-_______________ (_____) ________-_____________
Alternate Number Alternate Number
______________________________ ____________________________
E-Mail Address E-Mail Address
Medical
Do you have any medical condition we should be aware of? (i.e.: heart condition, back problems, asthma,
allergies, etc.). Specify:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Special Skills, Training, Hobbies & Interest
List any hobbies, training or background which may be applicable: ___________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
For the purpose of public relations, do you wish to remain anonymous? Yes or No
Do you want to officially Adopt-A-Park or Trail? Yes or No
If yes, which park/trail?
_____________________________________________
(Visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov for park/trail details. A
Volunteer Coordinator can answer location questions.)
If yes, what is the specific name you want on your sign? (Please print clearly)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Briefly explain why you are interested in volunteering.___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The information stated on this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and
is made in good faith. Any false statements made by me may be used as a rejection of this application.
Signature_____________________________________________________Date________________________
Thank you for your interest in our community. We look forward to meeting you and appreciate the
generous offer of your time and skills.
Mail or deliver to: Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, Volunteer Program
1455 S Happy Hollow Rd., Fayetteville AR
Or: Fax: (479) 521-7714 E-mail: parksvolunteer@fayetteville-ar.gov
SUBMIT
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