Adopt-a-Park Program

Adopt-a-Park is a public service program, which allows volunteers to aid in beautification, identify safety hazards, and help maintain the City of Northfield Park System. It is an excellent way for residents and organizations to make a personal contribution to the community.

This is an effort to use volunteer’s expertise and experience to supplement the work of city staff. By working together, we hope residents become better connected to their community.

Adopt-a-Park sponsors

  • Ames Park - Gehring Family
  • Babcock Rodeo Grounds - Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee
  • Bridge Square - Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee
  • Central Park - Friends of Central Park
  • Hauberg Woods - Friends of Hauberg Woods
  • Lashbrook Park - Friends of Lashbrook
  • Riverside Lions Park - Northfield Garden Club
  • Roosevelt Park - Friends of Roosevelt Park
  • Sechler Park (River Portion) - Cannon River Offroad Cycle and Trails (CROCT)
  • Sibley Swale Park - Project Friendship
  • Spring Creek Park - Remembering Hadley Joan Peterson
  • Way Park - Friends of Way Park

How the program works

  • A group of residents, through common interest, agrees to adopt a particular park, which may or may not be in their neighborhood.
  • This group then discusses the opportunity with city staff in order to understand the responsibilities and limitations on adopting a park.
  • The Adopt-a-Park group agrees to a minimum of a 3-year commitment to the project.
  • Park sites are chosen by city staff and are then available on a first come, first served basis.
  • The frequency of clean up is once during the spring, once during the summer and once during the fall.

Responsibilities of the City of Northfield

  • Approving the size and scope of any projects to be undertaken by the volunteer group.
  • Disposing of garbage and brush collected by volunteers for the three (3) park clean up days.
  • Providing trash bags for the three (3) park clean up days and safety information.
  • Providing safety equipment necessary for completion of the project.
  • Posting recognition on the city’s website.

Responsibilities of the volunteers and volunteer group

  •  Providing supervision of individuals to maintain their designated area.
  • Reporting signs of vandalism or broken equipment to the Street and Parks Division.
  • Contacting the Streets and Parks Division at least one week in advance to schedule a clean-up date.
  • It is suggested that the clean-up activities occur on Monday following a busy weekend or days directly following a holiday.
  • Identifying in writing, the projects the group desires to complete as well as equipment and supplies needed.
  • Receiving approval from the Streets and Parks Division before undertaking a project involving the beautification or maintenance of any park.
  • Coordinating with Master Gardeners if the group desires to do any planting.
  • Funding of any plantings. Preference will be given to perennials, natives or drought tolerant.
  • Watering, weeding, separating, and dividing any new plantings as needed.
  • Disposing of any garbage or brush collected outside of the three (3) clean up days.
  • Returning borrowed and unused supplies and equipment to the Maintenance Facility at 1710 Riverview Drive. 

Tasks associated with the Adopt-a-Park program

  • Picking up litter
  • Raking
  • Sweeping
  • Weeding
  • Painting
  • Planting and watering flowers
  • General park maintenance
  • Removing buckthorn
  • Mulching
  • Other projects as agreed upon

Safety tips

  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Participants should never pick up heavy, large or hazardous materials and equipment. 
  • Participants should be aware of extreme conditions, under which they may be working, including heat, insects, sun, and severe weather. 
  • Participants should wear clothing that is appropriate to the weather and work being performed.
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent and work gloves are appropriate and are the participant’s responsibility.
  • Participants should avoid all open water.
  • Groups are encouraged to carry a first-aid kit for the participants.
  • Participants should know the location of the first aid kit and local emergency phone numbers.