VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Partnerships Volunteer Program promotes involvement in parks and connects interested individuals, businesses and organizations to volunteer opportunities within parks. The Volunteer Program links volunteer interest with Parks and community priority projects and events; supports the development of Parks and CPF programs that respond to volunteer interests; promotes volunteer opportunities throughout NYC Parks; and encourages sustained involvement in Parks by hosting recognition events for park group leaders and volunteers.

"It's My Park!" Days

Our annual "It's My Park!" Days on the third Saturday of May and October bring nearly five thousand volunteers to more than 180 sites in all five boroughs. These large-scale events are ideal for both new and established groups, making them visible in the community as stewards of their parks. Additionally, organizing and carrying out a successful annual event equips members to plan future activities and presents a positive image to other park users.
Upcoming "It's My Park!" Day
View photos from past events

Volunteer Projects

Apart from citywide cleanup days, we link corporations, civic associations, and others to one-time projects. We also link interested individual callers to one-time or regularly scheduled volunteer opportunities or to community groups active in their area.
Find out more about how your company or organization can get involved

Promoting Involvement

• Our quarterly newsletter, Leaflet, reaches 55,000 people on our database in print or e-format, informing parks supporters about innovative parks groups, highlighted parks events and park news.
  Click here for our on-line archive of Leaflets
  
  
• Monthly volunteer e-blasts inform interested volunteers of one-time volunteer opportunities within Parks each month.
  To Subscribe, click here.
  
  
• Our website offers a wealth of information to park supporters, including volunteer opportunities, grant information, links to other relevant park groups, and all of our technical assistance materials.

Volunteer Recognition

• Spring Citywide Volunteer Recognition
  Particularly devoted parks supporters who have demonstrated leadership in their parks are honored at our annual citywide spring event.
  
  
• Fall Recognition Receptions
  These autumn celebrations, held in each borough, honor our hard-working volunteers and provide a networking opportunity for volunteers.
  
  
• Partnerships Award Luncheons
  Hosted by Parks & Recreation Commissioner and CPF Executive Director, these luncheons allow one outstanding parks organization from each borough to be recognized and to share information about their efforts in their park in an intimate setting.
  Read about previous Award recipients
  
  
• Volunteer Permits
  Volunteer Permits are provided to regular volunteers in recognition of their efforts. A current permit allows you to volunteer in a park without supervision, as long as a Parks Department employee approves of the activity.
  
  Partnerships for Parks is currently updating our Volunteer Permit benefits list, which will offer free and discounted opportunities to our dedicated volunteers. Check back in Fall 2007 for more details.
  
  To request a permit application, please call 212.360.3474.