Projects & Service Days

Friends Groups can build valuable support for park improvements and maintenance. The following guidelines are intended to help partners work together in an effective manner to ensure that a project (of any size) is time and effort well spent.

Communication is essential for establishing clear expectations for a project. This can be as simple as an email or phone call to Akron Parks Collaborative.

Here are some ways APC supports project planning:

Consulting with the City of Akron to seek approval for the desired improvements and share any feedback received
Connecting FGs to resources (see below) for proposed projects
Ensuring maintenance has not already been scheduled for the area of interest

How to Enhance Your Park Through Sustainable Efforts

Choose a project that aligns with the community input/needs assessment and can be sufficiently maintained by the FG once it’s complete.
- When appropriate (tree plantings, gardens, benches, etc.), FGs are required to create a maintenance plan to ensure the project is sustainable. This plan must include a detailed maintenance schedule for at least two years and contact information for everyone involved. Develop a detailed timeline that includes the full scope of the project.
Determine whether it can be executed through a FG-managed volunteer service day or will require professional contractors (APC can assist with this).
Identify the available resources and make requests through APC.
Approval by the City of Akron may be required.
Plan to fundraise (if necessary).

Volunteer Service Days

When a project calls for a service day, Friends Groups:

Communicate the plan with APC
Submit an event application to the City of Akron at least 90 days prior to the scheduled service day
Seek in-kind donations (e.g., snacks/water for volunteers, tools) from local businesses
Determine whether a port-a-potty is necessary, and if so, work with APC to rent one
Make sure a sufficient amount of drinking water is available for all volunteers
Post flyers around the community
Create a volunteer list and send out reminders with important information (start time, appropriate clothing, waivers, parking, food arrangements, etc.)
Set up a welcome table to greet and register volunteers
Utilize a sign-in sheet and ensuring that every volunteer has signed a waiver form (required)
Offer FG membership information is recommended
Start the service day with introductions and share information about the FG, restrooms, drinking water, safety, waiver forms, etc.
Create a fun and safe environment for volunteers

Potential Resources

Trees
Mulch
Tree pruning/dead tree removal
Paper lawn bags for park clean-ups
Tools
Playground equipment repair
Temporary trash/recycling receptacles
Port-a-potty rental

Service Day Reporting

Friends Groups must provide APC with photos and the following information within 1 month of their service day:

Brief summary of improvements/maintenance accomplished
Number of volunteers
Number of volunteer hours

And, when applicable (depending on the scope of the project):

Number of trash bags collected
Number of plants/trees planted
Number of garden beds maintained
Number and description of structures installed
Any other metrics that help to explain the project

PARK FRIENDS GROUPS