Welcome to the City of San José’s Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail program! The purpose of this program is to recruit, train, and support individuals and groups who would like to take an active role in keeping our parks healthy and clean for the entire community.

Who is Eligible?

Everyone is welcome! Individuals, community groups, service clubs, schools, faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations and youth groups are just some of the volunteers that can adopt a park or trail.

What is the time commitment?

• A minimum one-year agreement, renewable at the end of the period.
• Individual volunteers are expected to complete 8 hours a month.
• Groups of 4 or more are expected to complete 16 hours a month.

WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES DO VOLUNTEERS PERFORM?
Rake leaves Paint benches and tables Spread mulch Remove weeds and invasive plants Remove graffiti Clean playgrounds Pick up litter Paint backboards and fences Special Projects such as planting drought tolerant native plants or tree

HOW TO SIGN UP

STEP 1: Choose a park

Find A Park

Find an available park on the interactive map above or contact us at adopt-a-park@sanjoseca.gov.

STEP 2: Complete the paperwork

Adoption applicationVolunteer Service agreement

*Each person in your family or group must complete a Volunteer Service Agreement.

Please submit the documents to adopt-a-park@sanjoseca.gov or mail to Adopt-A-Park, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, 200 E. Santa Clara St., 9th Floor Tower, San José, CA 95113.

STEP 3: Schedule an Orientation

This hour-long orientation will be held at the chosen park and will consist of:

• An introduction to the Volunteer Handbook
• A review of the City policies regarding park volunteers
• A site tour of the adopted park

The applicant will also receive a basic starter kit of supplies and tools.

STEP 4: Set up a Better Impact account

*Instructions included with orientation packet.
This is where you keep track of your volunteer hours, change any contact information or list any special skills.

This is a vital step in the adoption process. Every hour spent volunteering in the park counts!

YOU ARE SET TO VOLUNTEER!

Support for Adopt-A-Park volunteers comes in many ways:

• Tools and supplies provided
• Training for specialized tasks if requested
• Support for special projects and beautification efforts
• BeautifySJ grants awarded (*an application process is required)

Make a difference in your community! Adopt a Park today!