Adopt-A-Park PROGRAM

• Familiarize Yourself: Start by reading through our Adopt-a-Park Handbook located here. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the program, its objectives, and what you can expect as a park adopter.
• Express Interest: Submit a Adopt-a-Park Application.
• Application Review: Our Volunteer Services Coordinator will  review your application.
• Initial Meeting: If your application is approved, the Parks Supervisor will arrange a meet-and-greet session with you at the park you selected. This meeting is an opportunity for us to understand your interests better and discuss the potential for collaboration.
• Developing a Work Plan: Together with our Parks Maintenance Department, we will work closely with you to develop a customized work plan. This plan will reflect your interests and the specific needs of the park, ensuring a rewarding and impactful volunteer experience.
• Scheduling Your First Project: Once the work plan is in place, you'll coordinate with the Parks Supervisor to schedule your first project. We strive to accommodate your availability and preferences in this planning stage.
• Project Execution: It's time to get hands-on! Engage in your first project and start making a tangible difference in your adopted park.
• Recognition and Appreciation: To acknowledge your valuable contribution, the City of Forest Grove will distribute a media release about the adoption to the local newspaper. In addition, at the site of the adopted park or green space, the City will place an adoption plaque with the name of the adopting group, indicating that that group has adopted the site. Adoption signs remain posted as long as the adoptive group actively volunteers in the Adopt-a-Park program. The City also maintains a list of adopted sites and adopters on the City website.

When your group gets started, you and the Parks Supervisor will agree on a Work
Plan detailing the specific tasks for your adopted site. Adopt-a-Park volunteers commit to
this work plan and to volunteer their services on a regular basis according to the specific
work schedule agreed upon by the City and park/green space adopters. Some parks or
green spaces involve monthly volunteer service; others require less-frequent service.
Typical Adopt-a-Park volunteer tasks include the following:

• Removing litter
• Pulling weeds
• Removing invasive plants
• Spreading bark dust
• Planting flowers
• Reporting safety hazards, graffiti, and suspicious activity

Advanced Tasks with approval can include:

• Planting trees, flowers, shrubs, etc.
• Removing plants not specified in your group's Work Plan
• Major punning or trimming
• Painting (e.g., over graffiti)  

Adoptable parks and green spaces currently include:

• Fernhill Wetlands 
• Thatcher Park 
• Forest Glen Park 
• Reuter Farms green space 
• Knox Ridge Park 
• The entrance to Forest Gale Heights
• "Welcome to Forest Grove" signs at the north and east entrances to Forest Grove.

• Organizations
• Businesses
• Families
• Individuals

Adopters agree to serve at regular intervals at their adopted site. Some parks or green spaces involve monthly volunteer service; others require less-frequent service (e.g., quarterly service). 

We will provide you with trash bags and gloves. With advance notice, tools such as rakes, hoes, and brooms, and litter sticks are usually available for as many as six people. Larger-sized groups can be discussed.