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1. What is the Adopt-A-Park Program?

Huntersville Parks and Recreation’s Adopt-A-Park (AAP) Program is designed to encourage the community be hands-on in helping keep Huntersville’s parks clean, safe and attractive. This program creates a framework under which citizens, citizen groups/agencies and organizations can contribute to the Town by "adopting" a park, and agreeing to improve it through litter pick-up, maintaining flower beds, painting, spreading playground mulch and other manual labor. The program also offers the opportunity for people to get more involved in their community in a way that promotes civic pride, appreciation and awareness.

Currently Huntersville Parks and Recreation manages over 400 acres of parkland in 10 parks. The assistance we receive from adopters’ is invaluable as we make every effort to care for our natural resources.

2. Who can participate?

The AAP program is open to individuals / groups throughout the Town of Huntersville that are interested in bettering our parks:

• Any individuals
• Athletics organizations
• Business and other community organizations
• Civic groups
• Faith based organizations
• Neighborhood associations
• Schools (groups and teams)
• Service organizations
• Youth groups

The Town of Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department (HPRD) provide routine park maintenance and repairs. The adopting individuals and organizations give the park or trail the extra care and attention it needs. Adopters share in improving and enhancing the Town’s parks by working on a variety of approved projects. Adopters have assisted with numerous cleanup, landscaping and facility improvement projects.

3. What is the Adopt-A-Park time commitment?

Each year, the adoption commitment begins at the beginning of a quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1) and lasts for a period of one or two years. Adopting individual/organizations are asked to make a one-year commitment to their park or trail completing a minimum of four (4) projects per year. However, applications may be taken during the year and the number of expected cleanup project may be prorated according to the adoption approval date. It is each Adopted Park’s contact person’s responsibility to organize four yearly clean-ups and keep track of the group’s total volunteer hours and clean-up supplies, which are provided by Huntersville Parks and Recreation Departmen (HPRD) for each Adopted Park. 

In addition, it is the responsibility of the Adopted Parks’ contact person to:

1. Inform the AAP Coordinator of your scheduled cleanup date no less than two (2) weeks in advance so that arrangements can be made for trash removal, and we can let you know of any potential conflicts
2. Pick up litter / debris and place the filled trash bags in the designated areas
3. Adhere to the Safety Guidelines as provided to you by the AAP Coordinator
4. Report any vandalism or potential safety hazards found in your adopted space
5. Complete and return AAP Progress Report, Volunteer Applications, Photos and Volunteer Service Record within 14 days of project completion. These can be returned in person, by mail or electronically.

4. What about Special Projects?

In addition, any requests to perform special projects that will materially change adopted space, such as landscaping or facility improvements, should be submitted to the AAP Coordinator in writing at least one month in advance of the desired project date. We are excited that you wish to improve the park, and we want to work with you to ensure that your efforts leave a lasting positive effect. 

The appropriate Town departments will review your request to ensure that the project complies with applicable safety, environmental, and legal restrictions; that it is consistent with the overall design, use, and maintenance of the park or trail, and that the date does not conflict with activities scheduled for the facility. The AAP Coordinator will respond to your organization with required guidelines for that special project.

5. What about equipment?

Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department (HPRD) provides:

• Recycling information
• Safety guidelines
• Trash and recycling bags
• Trash removal

Work gloves, long pants and boots are recommended.

6. How will my adoption be recognized?

A service a sign will be displayed in a prominent part of the adopted park acknowledging your organization's / individual service to the parks. 

Adopters can also be issued Certificates of Appreciation, have their agency / organization or individual name highlighted on Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department's (HPRD) website and letters of recognition written on behalf of the adopter by the department’s director.

7. How do I get started?

If you are a group, appoint a contact person to ensure clear communication. Contact the Adopt-A-Park program coordinator to discuss the parks and trails currently available for adoption and any questions you may have about the program. Complete the Adopt-A-Park Adopting Application (PDF) with the AAP Coordinator for the specific park or trail you wish to adopt. Register your volunteers, contact the coordinator to schedule your first event and reserve any equipment or supplies you may need. At the event, review the Safety Guidelines and instructions for where to leave trash and recycling with your volunteers.