Centre Region "Park Partners" Program Summary Another Branch of the Gifts-For-Parks Program

The Centre Region "Park Partners" Program is an initiative by Centre Region Parks & Recreation (CRPR) started in 1998 that encourages public and private groups to assist with various improvements to municipal park areas. Volunteer projects have provided many valuable improvements to our park areas over the years such as the United Way's Day of Caring, Earth Day Park Spruce-ups each Spring, special projects and cleanups by scouting, community, and civic groups. Volunteerism is thriving in the Centre Region! The full Park Partner policy is posted HERE.

Here's a way your group can be involved in preserving the beauty of our parks:

Time & Effort...It's That Easy!
Park Partner groups may "adopt" an entire site, or a designated section or feature of a larger site, for a two-year period. At a minimum, groups are asked to plan, execute, and report on three organized group workdays per year at the selected site, with the primary interest of Spring, early-Summer, and Fall. The work days may coincide with community-wide volunteer events such as the Park Partner Day (each Spring) or the United Way Day of Caring (each Oct.). Of course, group members would also be encouraged to visit the park for impromptu spruce-ups as needed between work days. During the two-year period, the Park Partner group works with CRPR staff to help keep their park site clean, safe, and attractive. Depending on the site, the group's responsibilities may include:
• picking up litter, debris, and downed branches,
• maintaining paths and trails (such as pruning a trail corridor or spreading woodchips),
• maintaining planting beds, raking leaves, and pulling weeds,
• assisting with special programs or maintenance at that park site,
• identifying and reporting any safety hazards at the park site.

"Park Partner" Group Benefits
A sign will be posted at the selected park site which indicates the name of the group involved with the site. CRPR expects to publicize in each quarterly Leisure Guide the groups and sites currently enrolled in the Park Partner Program. In addition, each Park Partner group will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation at the successful conclusion of the two-year period.

How Your Group Can Become A "Park Partner"
This is a great opportunity for family or group involvement. All types of organizations can work together to improve municipal parks in the Centre Region. The following groups are eligible to become a Park Partner: 
• small and large businesses • service groups • scout troops • school groups • activity and youth groups • church groups • environmental groups • university groups • fraternities and sororities • senior citizen groups • neighborhood associations • family groups. At least 3 work sessions per year are required of each group.

Group Leaders are asked to coordinate their planned efforts with Janette Jackson, CRPR Staff Assistant
(814) 231-3071.

18 Current
Centre Region Park Partners
(as of 21 March 2010, in alpha order)

Call CRPR at 231-3071 for more information on the 
Centre Region Park Partner Program,
or click here to view the official CRPR Park Partner Policy.