Parks Beautification Program

Volunteering is a terrific way to help keep your favorite Kirkland parks beautiful while engaging with your community in the outdoors. Volunteer activities are season and site dependent to meet the goals at each site. Events are led by Parks and Community Services staff. The goal of each event is to provide a safe, fun, and effective hands-on experience for you to help improve Kirkland parks.

Learn more below about what to expect at volunteer events as a 'one-time' or periodic volunteer. We invite you to join us at a volunteer event once or many times!

Event basics

• Public volunteer events occur on weekdays and weekends throughout the year and are listed on the event calendar. Events are typically two to three hours in length.
• No prior experience is necessary to participate. Registration is requested for each event for each volunteer - visit the event calendar for registration details.
• Most events are open to all ages following the youth guidelines but check the specific event pages for details as this can vary by event.
• If you are interested in setting up an event for a group, please contact us.
• Events are generally held ‘rain or shine’ but may be canceled or relocated if weather or site conditions are unsafe such as high winds, flooding, snow, lightning, or unsafe air quality.

Every volunteer event includes

• Registration: At the start of the event every volunteer will sign-in on the event roster/service agreement and provide a signed Youth Service Agreement if applicable (see 'Youth Volunteering' below for requirements).
• Orientation: After registration there is a mandatory site and safety orientation. This short orientation includes training in safe tool use, an overview of specific activities, and optional education about the park.

What to bring or what is provided?

Required:

• Closed toed shoes  (e.g., tennis shoes, sneakers, or boots but no sandals)
• Youth Service Agreement (if applicable)

Recommended:

• Wear clothes that can get dirty and protect against thorns
• Rain pants/jacket, warm layers, long pants, and long sleeves are recommended
• Full water bottle & snacks
• In summer: sun hat and sunscreen

Optional:

• Garden gloves (we can provide if needed)
• Masks/Face coverings are optional and welcome

• Please do NOT bring any power tools

We Provide:

• Tools, gloves, and training
• Bathrooms or portable toilets are available either onsite or a short distance from the site.
• Snacks are not typically provided

Looking for an ongoing volunteer opportunity?

Are you looking for a regular monthly or quarterly volunteer opportunity? Or are you interested in supporting a special park or location? Consider adopting a park!

Learn more about our Adopt-A-Park program

Most of our events are open to all ages following guidelines below. Event activities are best suited for age 12 and older though many activities are adaptable for all ages. 

Guidelines for Youth Volunteers (Minors):

Youth under age 18 to age 14 can attend without a parent/guardian and must either:

• Submit online or bring a signed Youth Service Agreement (waiver) OR
• Have a parent/guardian sign-in at the start of the event OR
• Be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains onsite.

Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who sign-in, remain onsite, and will supervise the minor for the duration of the event.

The Youth and Individual Service Agreement can be filled out online or printed with a parent/guardian signature.

To fill out the Youth and Individual Service Agreement:

1. Register for an event on the City of Kirkland Calendar.

2. Complete the online Youth Service Agreement or print and fill out the PDF version (Print).

3. Receive your completed agreement via email or print the PDF.

4. Bring either a hardcopy or complete version on your electronic device.

The completed Youth & Individual Service Agreement form should be presented to the event leader hosting the event - hard copy or proof of electronic submission is acceptable. Please note that event leaders cannot access your agreement on their electronic device at the site.

Youth Volunteer Groups

For groups with youth participants (scouts, clubs, schools etc.) all requirements above apply.

Youth under age 18 must provide a signed Youth Service Agreement if their parent/guardian is not present at the event. For example, students (under age 18) attending with their teacher should bring a Youth Service Agreement signed by their parent/guardian. 

The City of Kirkland requests a 5:1 ratio of youth to adult chaperone for groups under age 18 to age 14.

Adult chaperones are responsible for ensuring youth event participants follow site safety and tool use directions given by the event leader. 

Please contact the Parks Coordinator listed on this page if your group is younger than age 14 to clarify ratio requirements and ensure a good project fit.

This program follows the City of Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department guidance for weather and environmental safety. 

Events are generally held 'rain or shine' but may be canceled or relocated if weather or site conditions are unsafe such as high winds, flooding, snow, lightening, or unsafe air quality (smoke).

Participants will be notified via email (if possible) or signage will be placed onsite in the event of cancellation.

Please contact the Program Coordinator (Kevin Ball, 425-587-3398, Kball@kirklandwa.gov) or the City of Kirkland Volunteer Services Coordinator (Andreana Campbell, 425-587-3013, Acampbell@kirklandwa.gov) with any concerns or questions about volunteer conduct and expectations.

We recommend the following Volunteer Code of Conduct:

1. As a volunteer, you represent your community. You must treat the public, park users, other volunteers, and staff with respect.
2. Threatening or harassing behavior will result in removal from the volunteer event and could result in expulsion from the park.
3. Individuals must not be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances while participating in volunteer activities.
4. Safety is of utmost importance at all times. Take safety seriously and consider the use of safe work practices for yourself and others as a personal responsibility.
5. Recognize parks as public places. All users have rights to the parks. Volunteer events are open to the public unless City/County staff have approved a closure or exclusive event.

Join Kirkland Parks and Community Services staff at an upcoming event. No experience necessary. Tools and education are provided at the event. All youth volunteers (under 18) must provide a signed Youth Service Agreement.

To register to volunteer - select an event date below and follow the instructions to register on the specific event page.