Adopt-A-Park Program

The Mission of  the Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail programs is to protect and enhance the City of Morganton’s neighborhood parks, open spaces and trails by utilizing volunteer support and special events, and to educate residents about the importance of our parks, open spaces and trails.

Parks Superintendent Daniel Stines coordinates the Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail programs. Program volunteers recruit and train residents to assist with the general care and maintenance of neighborhood parks, trails, and other parkland on City of Morganton property.  Stines and the program volunteers also educate the public about creating and preserving clean and safe parks and trails for everyone to enjoy!

Volunteers

AAP/AAT works to unite and support anyone interested in improving Morganton’s neighborhood open spaces and trails. Volunteers include

• Individuals, Senior Citizens, Neighborhood Associations, Youth Groups, Schools, Scouts, Church Groups, Businesses & Hiking and Biking Enthusiasts

Parks & Trails to Adopt

You can adopt the entire park, trail or a particular area in a park, including:

• Catawba River Soccer Complex / Community Gardens, Catawba River & Freedom Trail Greenway, Freedom Park, Bethel Park, Shuey Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Martha’s Park, Drexel Heritage Park, Catawba Meadows Park & Carbon City Park

What You Can Do

Volunteers can pick up litter, rake leaves, remove graffiti, report park hazards, sweep courts and pathways, pull weeds, care for ecosystems, plant native plants and trees and report homeless encampments, illegal dumping, storm damage, injured or dead animals and other hazards or help with major park restorations.

Minimum Commitment

We ask for a minimum commitment of one year of service to your adopted park or trail. We also ask that volunteers perform tasks at their location a minimum of once per month.

Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail Training

Once your adoption is approved, City staff will provide training on how to best take care of the park and will provide starter materials. Volunteers are required to read, understand, and abide by the Safety Guidelines provided and must abide by all park and trail rules and ordinances.

Recognition

In appreciation for your service, you will receive an official Certificate of Adoption, and Adopt-A-Park or Adopt-A-Trail T-shirt, an invitation to the Annual Recognition cook out Event (Earth Day), an adoption plaque with the adopters name on it, which will be posted at the adopter's site after 50 volunteer reported hours.

How to Sign Up

• E-mail forms to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Mail to: Morganton Parks and Recreation, PO Box 3448, Morganton NC 28680
• Fax forms to (828) 438-5355

Adoption Proposal   (Word)
Adoption Proposal   (PDF)

Time Sheet

Volunteer Service Waiver   (Word)
Volunteer Service Waiver   (PDF)