What is the Adopt-A-Park program?
The Mayor’s Adopt-A-Park program is designed to get corporate citizens, neighborhood groups, schools, and other community organizations involved in preserving and enhancing the community’s 123 parks.  The program was launched in December 2003, with the adoption of Iroquois Park.  Adoption Partners and their members take part in routine volunteer projects such as trash pick-up and graffiti removal and may be called upon to assist with larger special projects such as mulching, plantings, bench construction, painting and other work.  Whenever possible, Metro Parks attempts to match neighborhood organizations, schools, and community organizations with local businesses for an adoption.

How are participants recognized?
A sign announcing the adoption is placed in each park.  Local media are notified of the adoption and periodic media events are scheduled to recognize new and continuing Adoption Partners.   Partners are also recognized on the Metro Parks web site and in printed materials, such as the quarterly Metro Parks Recreation Guide. 

How do I take part?
Groups interested in becoming Adoption Partners in the Mayor’s Adopt-A-Park program can contact Mike Slaton, Volunteer Coordinator. Adoption Partners complete an adoption agreement which outlines the scope of routine work, provides information and directions regarding completion of required volunteer program forms, and identifies resources and support to be provided by Metro Parks.  Each Adoption Partner is asked to identify three members to serve as “team leaders” for their group.  Team leaders act as liaisons between their group and Metro Parks, provide site leadership for all activities their group engages in, and track volunteer activities provided by their group members.  Both routine tasks and special projects are reviewed and approved by Metro Parks staff, and team leaders help Metro Parks track total volunteer hours.

What they’re saying:
Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson – “Our park system is a jewel.  But it’s a jewel that needs constant care – something for which we are all responsible.  Volunteering to improve our parks is a wonderful investment in the future.  It’s good for employees who are giving back to their community. And it’s certainly good for our parks, which are so vital to our hometown’s quality of life.”