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Want To Help?

When you volunteer, intern, or adopt-a-greenspace with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, you're involved in the stewardship and care of a public park. You have the opportunity to make a difference in your neighborhood, learn about maintaining a park system, and show your commitment to the City of Houston’s parks and greenspaces.

  • VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
  • INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
  • PARK ADOPTION PROGRAMS

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Would you like to have an impact on your community, make new friends, learn new skills, or gain work experience – all Every year the Houston Parks and Recreation Department depends on hundreds of volunteers to assist in a variety of programs and activities from coaching youth sports teams to cleanup projects in neighborhood parks. Sign up in one of our volunteer programs to make a difference in the lives of children, communities, and park programs. Get involved! To register for park volunteer opportunities, contact: Oneika Peters at oneika.peters@houstontx.gov.

We encourage individuals, businesses, youth and adult organizations and corporate sponsors to learn more about our volunteer programs. Some volunteer opportunities include:

  • Picking up Litter
  • Tree Planting
  • Adopt-A-Park

Support your Houston Parks and Recreation Department by participating in one of our volunteer programs.

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INTERSHIP PROGRAMS

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for non-paid internship opportunities. Interested candidates should be undergraduate or post graduate students.

Download a copy of the Unpaid Internship Application (http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/pdfs/UnpaidInternshipApplicationForm.pdf) and complete it – then email your completed application to bridgette.eickhoff@houstontx.gov.

HPARD DIVISIONS INCLUDE

Greenspace Management – oversees the daily maintenance of Houston’s parkland, esplanades, greenspaces, urban forests, and manages the operation of Lake Houston Wilderness Park.

Recreation and Wellness – oversees the operation and programming of the department’s 60 community centers, the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, and the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.

Facilities Management and Development – is responsible for the administration of the Parks Master Plan and individual park Master Plans, implements the Capital Improvement Plan (in coordination with the General Services Department), oversees and coordinates park system improvements and expansion, and provides park Administration for Hermann and Memorial Park.

Management and Finance – oversees the operations of all aspects of accounting, purchasing, information technology services, safety, and grant writing for the department, and includes liaisons for HR, Payroll and Workers Compensation.

Communications Office – is responsible for the public dissemination of information about the department and its programs through various media outlets. It oversees, guides, plans, and coordinates the writing, publication, and production of all communications products-printed materials, photos/videos, website and social media postings.

Urban Park Rangers – monitor trials, picnic areas, pavilions and similar park areas on foot, bicycle, and motorized vehicles. Their visible presence helps deter vandalism, promotes visitor safety, and insures the proper us of parks and facilities.

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PARK ADOPTION PROGRAM

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department's (HPARD) Park and Greenspace Adoption Programs are a great way to show your support for parkland and greenspaces!

It's a great way for individuals, businesses, civic and community groups, or corporate sponsors to show their green thumbs and commitment to Houston's environment. Support can range from tree donations, organized cleanups and beautification projects.

Please fill out this form as the first step in expressing interest to learn more about starting an HPARD Park and Greenspace Adoption Program group. Once submitted, our Adoption Program Administrator, will reach out to have a follow-up discussion with you shortly!

Form

For information on how your group or business can participate in this program, contact Lorena Torres, Adoption Program Administrator at 832.395.7097 lorena.torres@houstontx.gov.

GREENSPACE ADOPTION PROGRAMS

There are three Adoption Programs for you to choose from: Adopt-An-Esplanade, Adopt-A-Trail and Adopt-A-Free-Little Library. Regardless of the program you choose, your involvement helps us maintain healthy green spaces and positive community investment.

Adopt-An-Esplanade - This adoption program welcomes organizations, homeowners' associations and civic groups interested in providing long term support for the maintenance and aesthetic quality of esplanades/medians. This program begins with a 6-month trial period of basic maintenance that includes mowing, edging/trimming and de-littering. After the trial period the adoption may include irrigation/landscape.

Adopt-A-Trail - This adoption program welcomes groups interested in providing longterm support for the maintenance and aesthetic quality of a portion of a trail. Maintenance includes edging/trimming trail and de-littering.

Adopt-A-Free-Little Library - This adoption program welcomes groups, educators and organizations interested in providing and maintaining a free little library box inside a community center at a Houston park. The free little library must be installed by the group adopter. The free little library adoption requires the monitoring of books in the box as well as keeping a regular stock of books. All books inside the free little library must be free of charge. Book donations will also be handled by the adopting group.

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