Adopt-a-Park or Trail Application and Volunteer Sign-Up
The Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail programs are a partnership between Des Moines Parks and Recreation, community members, public or private organizations, and local businesses to assist in the cleanup and beautification of parks and trails.
Apply to Adopt a Park or Trail
The parks and trails listed below are currently available. To adopt a park or trail, the Volunteer Leader must fill out the appropriate information after selecting the available park or trail you would like to adopt and will be followed up with by the Field Coordinator.
If you are open to any park or trail, please select where it is listed as Park - Flexible Location or Trail - Flexible Location.
Volunteer Sign Up
If you are currently assigned a park or trail, your Volunteer Leader will share a password with you that should be entered where it says 'Password'. Questions will generate after selecting your park or trail once the password is entered. This will act as you filling out the waiver.
The parks and trails listed below are currently available. To adopt a park or trail, a Volunteer Leader must select their desired location, fill out the questions below, and we will follow up with next steps. Click the park/trail name below and ‘view description’ for more details. Application questions will appear once a location is selected.
If you are interested in a one-day clean-up for your group, please email the Field Coordinator at parksvolunteer@dmgov.org
COVID-19
In order to comply with emergency proclamations by the Governor or Mayor, as such may be amended from time to time, and as public health guidelines evolve, for the safety of staff and the public, the Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel at any time. In addition, the Department reserves the right to change the registration requirements at any time. The Department will contact the volunteers as soon as reasonably possible with such cancellation or changes.
The City of Des Moines cannot guarantee that the volunteer or any of the event attendees will not become infected with COVID-19. Volunteers and attendees use the City’s facility at their own risk.
Questions? Please contact the Field Coordinator at parksvolunteer@dmgov.org
Scroll to see more shifts & complete your submission at the bottom of the page.Click here to scroll down.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*). Birthdate *
A valid date as MM/DD/YYYY (for example: 11/30/2015)
Group/Organization (If applicable):
First Name *
Last Name *
Volunteer Leader First Name *
Volunteer Leader Last Name *
Cell Phone *
For example, 123-456-7890
Address *
City *
State *
Zip Code *
Adoption Signage Wording (up to 2 lines, max. 15 characters/line) *
Do you need supplies (ex. trash bags, gloves, etc.)? *
Emergency Contact Name *
Emergency Contact Phone *
Backup Contact Name: *
Backup Contact Email: *
Backup Contact Phone:
Are you 18 years or older? *
Parent/Legal Guardian Full Name *
Parent/Legal Guardian Cell Phone *
I understand that the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ancestry in its programs and its employment practices.
I understand that submitting this information does not guarantee my, or my minor child's, acceptance as a volunteer, and that assignment of volunteer work is based on the assessments made by the volunteer coordinator, Director, and staff.
I understand that if I have misrepresented any information and/or fail to adhere to volunteer guidelines, I, or my minor child, may have our application approval withdrawn.
I assume full responsibility for my, or my minor child's, actions and authorize the staff at the site I, or my minor child, am volunteering to act on my behalf in the event of an emergency.
Preferred Adoption Start Date (adoption will occur for one full calendar year from your adoption start date with the option to renew): *
A valid date as MM/DD/YYYY (for example: 11/30/2015)
Estimated Number of Participants
Proposed Work Schedule - Minimum Requirement is Quarterly Cleanups (Once Every 3 Months)
Would you allow other volunteers to assist with your adoption area? (You may select both the first AND second option if you'd like.)
If the park or trail you wish to adopt is not available, are you interested in areas that are currently open? *
1.) The City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation recognizes the above "Individual/Group Adopter" as the Adopter of the above "Adoption Area" for the above "Adoption Period," At the end of this time, the Agreement will terminate. However, if acceptable to both parties, the Adopter may renew the Agreement for an additional year. The Field Coordinator also has the right to terminate the Agreement early for failure to host the required number of cleanups or failure to follow Parks and Recreation Department Adopt-a-Park/Trail program guidelines.
2.) City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation will provide any supplies/tools to complete work safely such as: poison ivy and meth lab identification, waivers, safety vests, litter grabbers, work gloves, and trash bags.
3.) The Adopter accepts the responsibility for the supplies, litter cleanup, and tasks outlined in this agreement and will clean, care for, and return them at the agreed-upon time.
4.) Adopter must submit work dates for a minimum of four times over the calendar year.
5.) The Adopter has read the Adopt-a-Park/Trail program guidelines, event checklist, safety recommendations, and Volunteer Release and Waiver Form, and will provide this information to additional group members.
6.) Adopter is aware of the nature of the work to be performed and potential hazards, including but not limited to the presence of traffic, hazardous debris, drug paraphernalia, uneven terrain, insects, and animals.
7.) Volunteer Leader must obtain signatures from all volunteers on the Volunteer Release and Waiver Form, or have all volunteers sign up on the provided signup link, prior to participation in the program. Minors may volunteer, under adult supervision, with a Volunteer Release and Waiver Form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
8.) Participants agree to abide by provided guidelines and safety recommendations.
9.) The contact person for Des Moines Parks and Recreation is the Field Coordinator: 515-248-6295.
Do you accept and agree to the Adopt-a-Park and Trail Agreement listed in the description above? *
Waiver
In consideration of me, or my minor child, being permitted to participate in any way in the above named Volunteer Program, I, the Undersigned, for myself and my minor child, all of my or my minor child's, personal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors and assigns, herein referred to as "Releasors", do hereby:
1. Acknowledge that this volunteer service carries with it the potential for serious injury, death and/or property damage, and certify as to my physical fitness and that of my minor child to participate and declare that neither I, nor my minor child, have been advised otherwise by a qualified medical professional.
2. Acknowledge, agree, and represent that I and my minor child will, at all times, be aware of the surroundings during the volunteer service and agree that if I or my minor child consider anything related to this Activity to be unsafe, will immediately advise the Activity officials of such, and if necessary, will leave the area or refuse to participate further in the volunteer service.
3. Waive, release and discharge, and covenant not to sue, the City of Des Moines, Iowa, its elected and appointed officials, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and agents, including others who give recommendations, directions, or instructions as part of this volunteer service, hereinafter referred to as "City", from any and all liability to Releasors, except for my minor child, for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefor, on account of injury to the person, including illness or complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, or property or resulting in my death or that of my minor child arising out of or related to the volunteer service, including traveling to or from the volunteer service.
4. Agree to Indemnify and Save and Hold Harmless the City and each of them from any loss, liability, damage, or cost that they may incur arising out of or related to my or my minor child's participation in this volunteer service.
5. Assume full responsibility for any risk of bodily injury, including illness or complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, death or property damage arising out of or related to the volunteer service. I agree to comply with all applicable safety rules, including wearing protective clothing, close-toed shoes/boots, safety goggles, gloves, and vest while performing my volunteer activities.
6. Agree that this Release and Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Photo Release extends to all acts of negligence by the City, not including gross negligence and willful misconduct, and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law including any governmental immunity afforded the City by law and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
7. Authorize any medical treatment, including the administration of anesthesia, deemed advisable by any licensed physician to relieve any injuries received or illness contracted by me or my minor child as a participant in this volunteer service. I hereby agree to pay all costs of any medical treatment or emergency transportation.
8. Authorize and consent to the City, its sponsors, and any news media, and their successors and assigns and those acting under their authority, to take, publish, use in any media, and copyright photographs, videotape or other and audio or visual media, including broadcast in any media, of me or my minor child and agree that such may be used for any lawful purpose without further compensation or approval.
In consideration of me, or my minor child, being permitted to participate in any way in the above named Volunteer Program, I, the Undersigned, for myself and my minor child, all of my or my minor child's, personal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors and assigns, herein referred to as "Releasors", do hereby:
1. Acknowledge that this volunteer service carries with it the potential for serious injury, death and/or property damage, and certify as to my physical fitness and that of my minor child to participate and declare that neither I, nor my minor child, have been advised otherwise by a qualified medical professional.
2. Acknowledge, agree, and represent that I and my minor child will, at all times, be aware of the surroundings during the volunteer service and agree that if I or my minor child consider anything related to this Activity to be unsafe, will immediately advise the Activity officials of such, and if necessary, will leave the area or refuse to participate further in the volunteer service.
3. Waive, release and discharge, and covenant not to sue, the City of Des Moines, Iowa, its elected and appointed officials, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and agents, including others who give recommendations, directions, or instructions as part of this volunteer service, hereinafter referred to as "City", from any and all liability to Releasors, except for my minor child, for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefor, on account of injury to the person, including illness or complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, or property or resulting in my death or that of my minor child arising out of or related to the volunteer service, including traveling to or from the volunteer service.
4. Agree to Indemnify and Save and Hold Harmless the City and each of them from any loss, liability, damage, or cost that they may incur arising out of or related to my or my minor child's participation in this volunteer service.
5. Assume full responsibility for any risk of bodily injury, including illness or complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, death or property damage arising out of or related to the volunteer service. I agree to comply with all applicable safety rules, including wearing protective clothing, close-toed shoes/boots, safety goggles, gloves, and vest while performing my volunteer activities.
6. Agree that this Release and Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Photo Release extends to all acts of negligence by the City, not including gross negligence and willful misconduct, and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law including any governmental immunity afforded the City by law and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
7. Authorize any medical treatment, including the administration of anesthesia, deemed advisable by any licensed physician to relieve any injuries received or illness contracted by me or my minor child as a participant in this volunteer service. I hereby agree to pay all costs of any medical treatment or emergency transportation.
8. Authorize and consent to the City, its sponsors, and any news media, and their successors and assigns and those acting under their authority, to take, publish, use in any media, and copyright photographs, videotape or other and audio or visual media, including broadcast in any media, of me or my minor child and agree that such may be used for any lawful purpose without further compensation or approval.
Check here to show you accept the terms stated above for yourself.
I, the Undersigned, for myself and/or my minor child, have read this Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Photo Release, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it voluntarily without assurance or guarantee being made to me and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the fullest extent permitted by law, including all acts of negligence by the City as stated above. I agree that this Agreement and Photo Release will be IN EFFECT for 5 YEARS from the date of my signature unless otherwise terminated by me in writing delivered to the City.
In consideration of me, or my minor child, being permitted to participate in any way in the above named Volunteer Program, I, the Undersigned, for myself and my minor child, all of my or my minor child's, personal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors and assigns, herein referred to as "Releasors", do hereby:
1. Acknowledge that this volunteer service carries with it the potential for serious injury, death, and/or property damage, and certify as to my physical fitness and that of my minor child to participate and declare that neither I nor my minor child, have been advised otherwise by a qualified medical professional.
2. Acknowledge, agree, and represent that I and my minor child will, at all times, be aware of the surroundings during the volunteer service and agree that if I or my minor child consider anything related to this Activity to be unsafe, will immediately advise the Activity officials of such, and if necessary, will leave the area or refuse to participate further in the volunteer service.
3. Waive, release and discharge, and covenant not to sue, the City of Des Moines, Iowa, its elected and appointed officials, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and agents, including others who give recommendations, directions, or instructions as part of this volunteer service, hereinafter referred to as "City", from any and all liability to Releasors, except for my minor child, for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefor, on account of injury to the person, including illness or complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, or property or resulting in my death or that of my minor child arising out of or related to the volunteer service, including traveling to or from the volunteer
service.
4. Agree to Indemnify and Save and Hold Harmless the City and each of them from any loss, liability, damage, or cost that they may incur arising out of or related to my or my minor child's participation in this volunteer service.
5. Assume full responsibility for any risk of bodily injury, including illness or complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, death or property damage arising out of or related to the volunteer service. I agree to comply with all applicable safety rules, including wearing protective clothing, close-toed shoes/boots, safety goggles, gloves, and vest while performing my volunteer activities.
6. Agree that this Release and Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Photo Release extends to all acts of negligence by the City, not including gross negligence and willful misconduct, and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law including any governmental immunity afforded the City by law and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
7. Authorize any medical treatment, including the administration of anesthesia, deemed advisable by any licensed physician to relieve any injuries received or illness contracted by me or my minor child as a participant in this volunteer service. I hereby agree to pay all costs of any medical treatment or emergency transportation.
8. Authorize and consent to the City, its sponsors, and any news media, and their successors and assigns and those acting under their authority, to take, publish, use in any media, and copyright photographs, videotape or other and audio or visual media, including broadcast in any media, of me or my minor child and agree that such may be used for any lawful purpose without further compensation or approval.
I, the Undersigned, for myself and/or my minor child, have read this Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Photo Release, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it voluntarily without assurance or guarantee being made to me and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the fullest extent permitted by law, including all acts of negligence by the City as stated above. I agree that this Agreement and Photo Release will be IN EFFECT for 5 YEARS from the date of my signature unless otherwise terminated by me in writing delivered to the City.”
Check here to show you accept the terms stated above for yourself or for a minor child that you are the parent/legal guardian for.
I, the Undersigned, for myself and/or my minor child, have read this Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Photo Release, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it voluntarily without assurance or guarantee being made to me and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the fullest extent permitted by law, including all acts of negligence by the City as stated above. I agree that this Agreement and Photo Release will be IN EFFECT for 5 YEARS from the date of my signature unless otherwise terminated by me in writing delivered to the City.
