Adoption programs spark community involvement

By Pat Sims Hechenberger

The theory that ownership leads to involvement became the incentive behind the Adopt-A-Park/Adopt-A-Tree programs at the Champaign Park District. The programs invite community participation in caring for parks and trees. Through their involvement, volunteers increase both their understanding and enjoyment of the parks. This leads to support and commitment within the community.

The Adopt-A-Park program was established in 1982. People in a neighborhood are allowed to assume some maintenance and program responsibilities above the level that the park district can maintain. The adopted park often becomes a focal point of neighborhood activities. All activities of the Adopt-A-Park program mutually benefit the park district and the adopting group. The adopting group is encouraged to not only determine the needs of its park, but also to find ways and means to meet them. In many of the parks, this involves ambitious fundraising: car washes, bake sales and yard sales. The funds go toward an item determined by the adopting group and approved by the park district, such as a new piece of play equipment, a bench or extra flowers.

Other parks concentrate on maintenance such as early morning "spruce up days." The camaraderie heightens as participants take a break with coffee and doughnuts provided by the park district. The climate is set for new friendships, closer ties and concern for each other's property and security.

Social activities tend to merge conveniently into park adoption. These include park potlucks, pool parties and movies in the park complete with popcorn bagged by the neighborhood's preteenagers.

To adopt a park, a spokesperson for a neighborhood contacts the district to discuss current usage of the park with a delegated staff member. The make-up of the neighborhood,

Illinois Parks and Recreation 12 September/October 1984

and residents' primary interests and needs are also considered. The spokesperson then invites neighbors to a family potluck in the park. The park district staff person shares the Adopt-A-Park concept, long-range plans for the park, and, if needed, suggestions for projects and activities. One or more individuals usually agree to serve as coordinator(s). The staff then works closely with this person, and in the first weeks several encouragement/support calls are helpful. As enthusiasm builds, the ideas and support grow as well. Ownership and commitment to the park district go hand-in-hand.

In another ownership/involvement program, the Champaign Park District invites individuals, families, scout troops and other organizations to "Adopt-A-Tree" in their neighborhood parks. The adoptable trees are primarily new trees (one- to four-years-old) in need of special attention. Adopting a tree involves checking it once or twice each week, particularly for vandalism or disease. It can also involve watering and spreading mulch.

Participants receive a map with their tree's location, monthly "tree notes" (a collection of tree care tips and little known facts about trees), and a "We adopted a Champaign Park District tree" bumper sticker. Participants are invited to an annual "Tree Party," a potluck gathering in one of the parks.

The enthusiastic response to the "Adopt-A-Tree" concept has been exciting. "Tree parents" have called inquiring about black spots on leaves. A school class named its tree and wrote stories about it. The community is sharing in the operation of its park district.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pat Sims Hechenberger is the coordinator of volunteers for the Champaign Park District. She has a degree in recreation administration from Southern Illinois University. She was the first director of a new YMCA in Atlanta, Georgia.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 13 September/October 1984