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
Boxing Tournament: Volunteers will help with event setup and breakdown at Berliner Athletic Complex.
Pollinator Habitat Seeding at Clinton Comoo Park: Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-noon at Clinton Como Park. Help us prep and spread plant seeds in Clinton Como’s pollinator habitats!
Adopt a Center Thanksgiving Meals: Volunteers will help with set-up, serve meals, provide assistance, cun activities and help with clean up.
- Thursday, Nov. 21, 4:30-7 p.m. at Woodward Park Community Center
- Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m. at Glenwood Community Center
- Friday, Nov. 22, 5-7 p.m. at Driving Park Community Center
- Friday, Nov. 22, 6-8 p.m. at Holton Community Center
Invasive Removal at Mock Park: Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-noon at Mock Park. We have wild turkeys at Mock Park, let’s celebrate Turkey Day by improving their home!
Collision Wheelchair Rugby Tourney: Volunteers will help make the tournament at Cleo Dumaree Athletic Complexa success by running the score table, assisting with the penalty box, lunch distribution, helping athletes load/unload equipment and general assistance.
- Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p. m.
- Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-6 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 8, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-3 p.m.
Boxing Tournament: Volunteers will help with event setup and breakdown at Berliner Athletic Complex.
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
- What you’ll do: Assist with shop operations.
- Available shifts: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Contact the shop to volunteer
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.
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.