What is the Adopt-a-Park program?
Adopt-a-park is a new program run by the City of Knoxville Department of Parks and Recreation that is aimed at significantly improving the environmental and aesthetic quality of our parks and greenways through generating a strong sense of ownership and responsibility within them. Through the Adopt-a-Park program businesses, park users, and various community groups can take an active role in beautifying our community and supporting Knoxville’s park system.

Who can be involved?
Anyone from an individual to a community minded organization can become involved in the Adopt-a-Park program. Park users, community groups, and businesses are all encouraged to do what they can to promote safe, beautiful places for residents to enjoy.

What do members of the Adopt a Park program do?
Volunteers are encouraged to work with City Recreation employees to do various projects, which may include:

- Litter Pickup
- Leaf Raking
- Painting
- Staining of bridges, benches, etc.
- Graffiti Removal
- Spreading of mulch, gravel, playground rock
- Sweeping of courts or paved trails
- Removal of exotic invasive plants
- Planting flowers
- Reporting of safety hazards, illegal dumping, injured or dead animals, storm damage, and other issues

What kind of commitment to volunteers need to make?
Adopt-a-Park volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one year of service to their adopted park or greenway. We also ask that volunteers perform cleanups or other tasks in their adopted park or greenway at least once per month.

How does City Parks and Recreation work with volunteers?
City Parks and Recreation employees will work with volunteers to approve projects in parks adopted. Parks and Recreation will supply park volunteers with working tools and materials needed to accomplish the project

What are the benefits of involvement?
Being involved in the Adopt-A-Park program is a great way to take an active role in beautifying our community. Being involved in the Adopt-A-Park program promotes positive social interaction, bonding, and healthy activity. In addition to achieving a strong sense of personal gratification through your participation, Adopt-A-Park recognition signs will be permanently displayed with the volunteer/volunteer group’s name and/or logo to recognize their efforts.

How to Sign Up

• Make the commitment to adopt a City of Knoxville park
• Complete the Adopt-A-Park enrollment form and to Knoxville Parks and Recreation for approval
• Sign the park adoption commitment form and submit to Knoxville Parks and Recreation
• Get started in your park!