VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Would you like to have an impact on your community, make new friends, learn new skills, or gain work experience – all Every year the Houston Parks and Recreation Department depends on hundreds of volunteers to assist in a variety of programs and activities from coaching youth sports teams to cleanup projects in neighborhood parks. Sign up in one of our volunteer programs to make a difference in the lives of children, communities, and park programs. Get involved! To register for park volunteer opportunities, contact: Oneika Peters at oneika.peters@houstontx.gov.

We encourage individuals, businesses, youth and adult organizations and corporate sponsors to learn more about our volunteer programs. Some volunteer opportunities include:

• Picking up Litter
• Tree Planting
• Adopt-A-Park

Support your Houston Parks and Recreation Department by participating in one of our volunteer programs.

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INTERSHIP PROGRAMS

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for non-paid internship opportunities. Interested candidates should be undergraduate or post graduate students.

Download a copy of the Unpaid Internship Application (http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/pdfs/UnpaidInternshipApplicationForm.pdf) and complete it – then email your completed application to bridgette.eickhoff@houstontx.gov.

HPARD DIVISIONS INCLUDE

Greenspace Management – oversees the daily maintenance of Houston’s parkland, esplanades, greenspaces, urban forests, and manages the operation of Lake Houston Wilderness Park.

Recreation and Wellness – oversees the operation and programming of the department’s 60 community centers, the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, and the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.

Facilities Management and Development – is responsible for the administration of the Parks Master Plan and individual park Master Plans, implements the Capital Improvement Plan (in coordination with the General Services Department), oversees and coordinates park system improvements and expansion, and provides park Administration for Hermann and Memorial Park.

Management and Finance – oversees the operations of all aspects of accounting, purchasing, information technology services, safety, and grant writing for the department, and includes liaisons for HR, Payroll and Workers Compensation.

Communications Office – is responsible for the public dissemination of information about the department and its programs through various media outlets. It oversees, guides, plans, and coordinates the writing, publication, and production of all communications products-printed materials, photos/videos, website and social media postings.

Urban Park Rangers – monitor trials, picnic areas, pavilions and similar park areas on foot, bicycle, and motorized vehicles. Their visible presence helps deter vandalism, promotes visitor safety, and insures the proper us of parks and facilities.

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PARK ADOPTION PROGRAM

Greenspace Adoption oversees and coordinates the adoption of C.O.H. parks, sports fields, esplanades, parks, trails and greenspaces. H.P.A.R.D.’s Adoption Programs are a great way to show your pride and commitment to Houston’s parks and green spaces.

For information on how your group or business can participate in this program, contact Marilu De La Fuente, Greenspace Adoption Coordinator at 832.395.7029 marilu.delafuente@houstontx.gov.

GREENSPACE ADOPTION PROGRAMS

There are 5 different Adoption Programs for you to choose from: Adopt-A-Park, Adopt-An-Esplanade, Adopt-A-Sports Field, Adopt-A-Trail and Adopt-A-Library Greenspace. Regardless of the program you choose, your involvement helps us maintain green spaces that we’re all proud of!

Adopt-A-Park - This adoption program welcomes homeowners associations and civic groups interested in providing long-term support for the maintenance and aesthetic quality of a park. Term of agreement minimum of 2 years.

Adopt-A-Sports Field - This adoption program welcomes organizations who wish to adopt a sports field in lieu of paying permitting fees associated with the use of ballfields. This adoption is available for youth leagues only. The term is for 6 months, Jan-June and July-December. The adoptee is responsible for all maintenance related to the sports field for the entire 6 month period.

Adopt-An-Esplanade - This adoption program welcomes organizations, homeowners associations and civic groups interested in providing long term support for the maintenance and aesthetic quality of esplanades/medians. Term is perpetual provided adoptee maintains esplanades/medians free of trash, mowed and edged.

Adopt-A-Trail- This adoption program welcomes civic groups interested in providing long-term support for the maintenance and aesthetic quality of a portion of a trail. Term is a 2 year minimum.

Adopt-A-Library Greenspace - This adoption program welcomes homeowners associations and civic groups interested in providing long-term support for the maintenance and aesthetic quality of library grounds. Term of agreement minimum of 2 years.

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