Volunteer Opportunities
Welcome to the City of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Volunteer page! Thank you for your interest in contributing time and talents to our community parks and programs. Parks and Recreation volunteers fill a variety of valuable roles, and we welcome your participation.
Whether teaching a class at a neighborhood recreation center or picking up trash at a popular park, there is a job for every age and ability.
Be the first to find out about Anchorage Parks and Recreation volunteer opportunities, events, and projects by following our Facebook page!
Upcoming Volunteer Events
Whiile the COVID-19 pandemic has understandably reduced the number of larger-group events, individuals, families, and those in a consistent "social bubble" may still be able to participate in Anchorage parks and Recreation volunteer opportunities. Contact Erin Kirkland, Community Engagement Coordinator, for more infomation and guidelines. 907-440-7191, erin.kirkland@anchorageak.gov. .
Programs
Volunteers are welcome in all Parks and Recreation programs! Click the icons below to learn more about each program and ways to contribute.
Recreation programs - Do you have a talent you'd like to share with the Anchorage community? Consider teaching at a recreation center; assist swim instructors with kids' lessons; or guide budding artists or young athletes. Please note that some volunteer opportunities, particularly those involving children, may require a background check.
How to Report a Problem In a Park or On a Trail
Use the guide below to report any issues you see in municipal park land:
Homeless Camp Reporting
Trail light outages: Contact Facility Maintenance at 343-8465
Report graffiti: Graffiti Busters at 343-4663 or facilitymaintenanceworkrequests@ci.anchorage.ak.us
Parks and Recreation Maintenance: 343-4554, parksrecmaintenance@muni.org
Suspicious behavior/non-emergency: 311
Emergency: 911
Eagle Scout Projects
Anchorage Parks & Recreation is happy to support the efforts of Eagle Scout candidates through park and open space project development and implementation.
Under the guidance of park staff, scouts are encouraged to carefully outline their prospective peoject idea, based upon in-person observations of need. Past projects have included park maintenance projects like sanding and painting bollards; installing "Mutt Mitt" stations; repairing or constructing benches; or working with park planners to develop interpretive signs. Creative and community-centered ideas are all welcome, and scouts should work with their parents/guardians and scouting mentors to develop a proposal for park staff as an important step in the public process.
Additionally, the Anchorage Park Foundation offers a challenge grant program for applicable projects. While planning, scouts should consider contacting the organization to see if funding is available. info@anchorageparkfoundation.org 907-274-1003.
Please contact Erin Kirkland, Community Engagement Coordinator, for additional information and a general description of the Eagle Scout project process. 907-440-7191; erin.kirkland@anchorageak.gov.
Boys Scouts of America provides a fillable pdf that scouts can use to organize and plan their project. You can download that pdf here.
Resources
Volunteer Agreement Form
Volunteer Hours Tracking Form
Trail Watch Hours Tracking Form
Adopt-A-Garden Leader Agreement
Adopt-A-Park Leader Agreement
Adopt-A-Trail Leader Agreement
Volunteer Improvement Proposal