9.A.5. PRSR 05-14-2003 Item # 9.A.5.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreatio Commission
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FROM: Michele McPherso , • irector of Planning
DATE: May 14, 2003
SUBJECT: Adopt-a-Park Program
Request
The Park and Recreation Commission is asked to endorse an Adopt-a-Park program.
Attachments
• Description-Adopt-a-Park Program
• Adopt-a-Park Application Form
Darlene Nickols, Elk River resident,has approached City staff regarding the establishment of an
Adopt-a-Park program. The Adopt-a-Park program is intended to provide an opportunity for
individuals and groups to contribute to the community by making park areas cleaner, safer, and
more attractive as outlined on the attached Adopt-a-Park program description. She is willing,
with staff assistance,to organize, recruit, and meet with prospective volunteers and volunteer
groups.
The primary responsibility initially would be for groups to monitor the park on a weekly basis
(weather permitting) and to inform staff regarding park needs such as the occurrence of
vandalism or the need to replace equipment. If volunteers elect to become more "ambitious"
and would like to pose a more intensive project, staff will bring those to the Commission for
formal approval, especially since it is likely that these types of projects would require additional
expenditures of City funds.
Ms.Nickols will be in attendance at the May 14th meeting, should you have any specific
questions for her.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council
approve the Adopt-a-Park program and allow Ms.Nickols to coordinate volunteers.
$:\PLANNING\Paths\Adopt-a-Park\5-14 P&R memo.doc
Adopt-A-Park Program
The City of Elk River Parks Department sponsors the Adopt-A-Park program,which was
implemented to obtain volunteer assistance for the Parks Department staff in the maintenance and
improvement of park areas throughout the city.The Adopt-A-Park program involves recruiting and
organizing individuals, community groups, and businesses to care for areas that need extra attention,
such as city parks.
The Adopt-A-Park program is a partnership between the City and individuals or groups. The
individuals and groups who become involved in the Adopt-A-Park program are contributing to the
betterment of the community by making park areas cleaner, safer, and more attractive.
Any individual,neighborhood, group, or organization can Adopt-A-Park as a volunteer project. A
letter of understanding,which clarifies the commitments of the participating individual or group and
the City,will be signed by the individual or by a representative of the group and a representative of
the City.Citizen ideas and suggestions about park area improvements are appreciated.
The City of Elk River will place a sign in your park crediting you or your organization for their
assistance.
Individual or Group Commitments:
1. The Adopting individual or organization commits to a one-year period of adoption.At the
end of that year an individual or organization can renew,change parks (if available) or
terminate.
2. Monitoring of the park is to be done on a regular basis,usually at least once a week during
the warm season, and as weather permits in the cold season.
3. The Adopting individual or groups will be asked to assist with litter and debris removal,
reporting vandalism and identifying any hazards in their adopted areas.
City Commitments:
1. The Parks Department will continue to provide regular maintenance of the park.
2. The Parks Department will provide trash bags and will be responsible for collecting and
disposing of the filled bags.
The City reserves the right to terminate an individual or group's participation in the program with or
without cause.
Please call the City of Elk River @ 763-441-7420 for an application or
you can also find program information on the City's website at
www.ci.elk-river.mn.us
CITY OF ELK RIVER
ADOPT-A-PARK APPLICATION FORM
Organization/Last Name:
Contact Person:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: ( ) Fax: ( ) -
E-mail: @ .
Number of Persons in Group:
Park Preference if any:
I (We) have read and agree to abide by the policies and regulations adopted by the City of
Elk River regarding the Adopt-A-Park Program.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
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