Volunteer
Looking 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 Department 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!
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.
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.
Contact Us
If you have questions about volunteering with Columbus Recreation and Parks, please email us.
Featured Volunteer Opportunities
Conservation at Innis Park: Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteers will be planting tree seedlings, cleaning litter, and removing invasive species.
Ignite: Know Your Worth: Saturday April 18, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 12 – 3:30 p.m. Volunteers will assist with setup, registration, programming, serve food and cleanup.
Earth and Arbor Day Celebration: Friday, April 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteers will be completing various projects to beautify Glenwood Park. Projects include tree planting, playground mulching, landscaping and more!
Conservation at Kenney Nature Preserve: Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteers will be planting tree seedlings, cleaning litter, and removing invasive species.
Conservation at Westmoor Park: Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteers will be cleaning litter and removing invasive species.
Conservation Stewardship Program
Looking to make a difference in your parks? Consider joining the Conservation Stewardship Program! The Conservation Stewardship Program is a volunteer program led by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Conservation Section that provides hands-on experience and training in community science and natural resource management within parks.
Learn more hereVOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES
Conservation: Volunteers are helping to better the natural environment through pollinator habitat planting and seedlings, invasive species removal and creek clean-ups.
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. View available volunteering opportunities.
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
Leaders-In-Training (LIT): 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. View available volunteering opportunities.
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. View available volunteering opportunities.