PROGRAM GUIDE FOR PARK ADOPTERS

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Adopt-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.

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5. 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

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Adopt-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.

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9. 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!

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Approximate Annual Event Dates

CELEBRATION

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 June

Canadian Rivers Day

June 23 UN Public Service Day July 18 Canadian Parks Day September 6 Impact Day 3rd week of September

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

3rd week of October

Waste Reduction Week

November 20 Universal Children’s Day

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General 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.

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10. 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

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Tree mulching

Tree planting

Flower and bulb planting

Park / trail weeding activities

Environmental Education

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Planting & 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.

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Native 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.

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Graffiti 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.

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Adopt-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.

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11. 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

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Have 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