Volunteering in a Park

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
---Robert Louis Stevenson

Broward County Parks and Recreation Division is a nationally accredited recreation agency dedicated to providing a variety of exceptional programs, services, and facilities essential to the quality of life in Broward County while preserving our natural areas. With regional parks, natural areas, nature centers, and staffed neighborhood parks located throughout the County, we have developed strong ties to our community in order to meet recreational program and service needs.

The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division's Volunteer Program offers students, families, individuals, and small and large groups short-term or long-term opportunities to share their time and talents with the community in a wide variety of interesting and valuable experiences. Several volunteer opportunities are available throughout Broward County Parks. No previous experience is necessary, and we are ready to provide training and assistance with any opportunity you choose.

Setting the bar high for other corporations, Motorola Corporation has been sending employees to the parks for several years for a "day of service."  

Motorola's Global Days of Service - 2008 and 2009.

Taravella High Marching Band Members Planting Slash Pines at Markham Park.

Youth Service Group and Eagle Scouts at Markham

Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park Receives Benefit of Youth Service Project

On September 5, 2009, 62 volunteers (ages 18 to 35) from all over the country volunteered to clean and spruce up the park.  The volunteers were attending a Jago Sikh Youth Conference, a networking conference held in Ft. Lauderdale.  This was the first year the conference included a service project as part of the activities.  The group planted trees and vegetation in the parking lot and around the building.  They also weeded the flower beds and did general clean up.  At the end of the day, these volunteers contributed 248 hours of service to Delevoe Park.  Participants told the park manager this was a great team-building exercise for the group.  The park manager said the volunteers were very enthusiastic and happy about what they had accomplished that day. 

The Division would like to thank the 277 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who contributed 1108 hours of service to Tree Tops Park during a workday on Saturday, April 25, 2009. Completed projects include:

• Removal of exotics on the park's picnic island
• Construction of a fire ring on the park's picnic island
• Clearing of "Dipsy Doodle" horse trail
• 15 picnic tables rebuilt
  

By volunteering only a few hours a week you can:

• Educate the public about the ecology, sensitivity, and importance of South Florida's remaining natural areas.
• Help the environment by volunteering to clear natural areas of trash and invasive plants by participating in Eco-Action Days.
• Assist a child with one-on-one homework help and build his/her self-esteem.
• Develop leadership and customer-service skills necessary when working with others.
• Develop and instill the life skills of sportsmanship, leadership, and team building in young people through our Youth Development Program.
• Fulfill your educationally required community service hours.
• Assist in organizing and conducting special events while developing stronger ties to the community.
• Develop skills and gain experience useful for a variety of job opportunities.
  

Most volunteers will need to visit the park and pick up a volunteer application packet to be approved as a regular volunteer.  For those volunteering for a workday or special event, the following applications are available to download and fill out prior to your arrival at the park.

Workday Volunteer Application (PDF - 784KB)

Special Event Volunteer Application (PDF - 76KB)

We invite you to become a part of a dedicated agency by volunteering. Volunteering opportunities vary at each park site. We can accommodate a variety of schedules and times. Please call the park of your choice directly or stop by the park office to complete a volunteer application.  For volunteers under 18 years old, parental signatures are required.  Please bring a photo ID to the park when you sign up.  For park locations please view our park list. For additional information, contact the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division's Volunteer Coordinator at 954-357-8153.