Volunteer

Looking for a way to get involved in your community? We are always seeking groups, organizations and individuals to assist in a wide variety of activities, event and programs all year long.

Columbus Recreation and Parks is grateful for each volunteer that supports the city in creating positive life experiences for residents as they enjoy the community’s natural and recreational amenities.

Use this page to check out the variety of opportunities we offer!

Featured Opportunities

 

      • Walk With a Doc – Saturdays at 9 a.m. at various community centers. Support this weekly walking event for residents ages 50 and up, promoting health and wellness.
      • Whetstone Fall 2K24 Party – Thursday, October 17th from 5:30- 8:00pm Covering activities, assist with face painting, Trunk or treat.
      • Trail Mulch and Litter Removal at Glenwood Park– Thursday, October 19th from 9am-12pm Volunteers will be mulching the trails in the natural area at Glenwood Park. Volunteers will also be cleaning litter.
      • Fall Harvest Celebration at Blackburn– Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. at Blackburn Community Center. Greet attendees, assist with setting up and tearing down tables and chairs, and supervise five game stations during the event.
      • Lazelle Halloween Party – Friday, October 25th from 4:30-7:30pm at Lazelle Community Center. Help passing out candy.
      • Feddersen Fall Harvest  Party – Friday, October 25th from 5pm-7pm at Feddersen Community Center – We are looking for Haunted house scare team and game operators.
      • Frank’s Park Shrub Planting – Saturday, October 26th from 9am-12pm at Frank’s Park. Shrubs will provide pollinators with additional resources aside from the grasses and flowers within the existing pollinator habitat!

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Mobile Produce Markets

  • What you’ll do: Interact and support the community as we distribute fresh produce to our neighbors. Help prep and pack produce in reusable grocery bags.
  • Available shifts: Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 p.m.

Golf Course Operations

  • What you’ll do: All six golf courses need assistance with daily operations.
  • Available shifts: Varies by golf course

Golden Hobby Gift Shop

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Opportunities for Individuals

Are you an individual looking for volunteer opportunities? Check out Volunteer Hub and sign up for our next event.

Explore

Opportunities for Organizations

Do you have a group looking to give back to the community? Fill out the Group Volunteer Request Form and we will work with you on a plan for your organization.

Request

Contact Us

If you have questions about volunteering with Columbus Recreation and Parks, please email us.

Email

OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

Conservation: Volunteers are helping to maintain our nature preserves and pollinator gardens throughout Columbus.

Landscaping: Volunteers mulch and plant the landscaped areas throughout our 400+ parks.

Tree Planting: Volunteers can plant and track trees on their own property or coordinate with the city to plant trees.

Playground Clean-Ups: Volunteers assist with mulching our 280+ playgrounds and general park clean-up.

Litter Clean-Ups: In collaboration with Keep Columbus Beautiful, volunteers help us maintain our more than 400 parks!

SPORTS AND ATHLETICS

Coaching and Officiating: Each of our 29 community centers hosts sports leagues, and volunteering is a great way to help!

Golf Courses: Golf course attendants provide exceptional customer service to athletes providing information on the course and admitting golfers for their tee-times.

SPECIALTY PROGRAMS

Counselors-In-Training (CIT): Designed for young people ages 13-17, the CIT program is a volunteer opportunity (including service hour credit) for select applicants to learn and gain experience with the department’s summer camp program.

Mobile Produce Markets: Weekly from February through December, our Food Office gives out hundreds of produce to local families in need.

Therapeutic Recreation: This specialized program cultivates athletes with disabilities. Volunteers play a very important role, assisting athletes in sports blind soccer, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball and seated boccia.

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