Needs From: United Way's Volunteer Center

Chattanooga's Department of Parks and Outdoors has a goal of planting over 1,000 new trees over the next several months, and we need your help! No experience necessary, we will teach you everything you need to know. All events are 9 am - noon. Please see the list below for dates and locations.

Eastdale Park - 1312 Moss St, Chattanooga, TN 37411

Carver Park - 600 N Orchard Knob Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404

Southside Community Park - 3504 E 36th St, Chattanooga, TN 37410

Kenwood Circle - Chattanooga, TN 37411

Tacoa Park - 5205 Tacoa Cir, Chattanooga, TN 37411

Park Stewards are vital community members dedicated to enhancing the environmental health, safety, and beauty of Chattanooga’s diverse park system. This includes our neighborhood parks, playgrounds, greenways, trails, and natural areas. By adopting a specific location, stewards provide consistent care, serve as helpful eyes and ears on the ground, and help foster a culture of appreciation and responsible use for our shared outdoor spaces.

Responsibilities: Park Stewards work collaboratively with Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors staff and engage in a range of hands-on activities and observational duties tailored to their assigned site and chosen focus area.

Core responsibilities include:
- Performing light maintenance tasks such as picking up litter and debris, clearing hard surfaces, cleaning park furniture and signs, removing weeds, and trimming overgrown vegetation.
- Assisting with basic horticultural and conservation efforts, including caring for trees/plants, and supporting habitat restoration initiatives.
- Monitoring the condition of park amenities, trails, and natural features, and reporting maintenance needs, damage, or hazardous conditions promptly.
- Serving as a welcoming and approachable representative of Chattanooga Parks, providing general information to visitors and encouraging adherence to park rules and responsible use.
- Observing and reporting unusual or suspicious activity to appropriate staff or authorities.


Focus Areas: While serving as a Park Steward, you will have the opportunity to specialize and concentrate your efforts within one of the following focus areas, aligning your volunteer work with your interests and the specific needs of your adopted site:
- General Park Care: Primarily focused on the upkeep and visitor experience within developed parks, playgrounds, and recreation center grounds.
- Trail & Greenway Care: Primarily focused on the maintenance and accessibility of designated trails and greenways.
- Ecological Stewardship: Primarily focused on conservation activities, habitat support, and care of natural areas, rain gardens, or other environmental assets within the park system.
- Signature Park Ambassador: Signature Park Ambassadors are volunteers who serve as welcoming and knowledgeable representatives of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors at designated, high-traffic "signature" park locations (Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, Montague Park/Sculpture Fields, Miller Park, Ross's Landing, Greenway Farm, TN Riverpark, & Warner Park). They act as a friendly human information resource, dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience by providing helpful information about the park, the Department, and Chattanooga as a whole.

Commitment: Park Stewards commit to adopting a specific park site or trail/area section and visiting their assigned location a minimum of two times per month for one year.

Requirements: To serve as a Park Steward, volunteers must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old, or 15 years old if accompanied by a supervising adult.
- Successfully pass a background check.
- Possess the ability to work independently while following direction from Parks staff.
- Be comfortable interacting professionally and courteously with the public, other volunteers, and park staff.
- Demonstrate commitment to the mission and goals of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors.
- Be willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions and on natural terrain.
- Provide their own transportation to and from their volunteer site.
- Wear appropriate outdoor clothing and required closed-toe shoes while volunteering.
- Attend program orientation and any specific training relevant to their chosen focus area and assigned tasks.
- Adhere to all park rules, regulations, and volunteer policies.

Support: Park Stewards are supported by the Parks Maintenance staff and receive guidance and coordination from the Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator, who serves as the primary point of contact for volunteers.

Impact: By consistently dedicating their time and effort within their chosen focus area, Park Stewards are fundamental partners in ensuring that Chattanooga's parks, trails, greenways, and natural areas remain beautiful, safe, and accessible for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors, now and for future generations.

Application/On-boarding 

To become a Park Steward, please submit an application here. Volunteers will be asked to complete a background check and attend an orientation session. 

Adopt-a-Park is a new initiative from the City of Chattanooga Department of Parks and Outdoors designed to foster community partnerships that enhance our parks and greenways. This program offers corporate and civic groups a unique opportunity to directly impact the environmental and aesthetic quality of Chattanooga's outdoor spaces.

Through Adopt-a-Park, businesses and community organizations can play an active and vital role in improving our city's park system, ensuring these cherished areas remain beautiful and healthy for everyone to enjoy.

If you're interested and would like to learn more, please sign up for this opportunity and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Chattanooga community and build team camaraderie? Your corporate or civic group can make a real difference by partnering with Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors on a community project!

We always have projects available and can accommodate groups of nearly any size, from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 50 volunteers. Larger groups are accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a variety of hands-on opportunities tailored to different interests and skill levels. Common tasks include painting, litter removal, invasive plant removal, spreading mulch, planting trees, and more. Whether your team is passionate about environmental conservation, or enhancing public spaces, we have a project that will align with your group's interests and values.

Why participate?

Team Building: Strengthen bonds and boost morale as you work together towards a common goal in the beautiful outdoors.

Community Impact: Contribute directly to initiatives that improve the lives of our neighbors and the well-being of Chattanooga's parks and natural areas.

Brand Visibility: Showcase your organization's commitment to corporate social responsibility right here in your community.

Customized Experience: We'll work with you to find a project that fits your group's availability, size, and preferences.

Ready to make a difference?

Register your corporate or civic group today and embark on a rewarding volunteer experience that benefits everyone! After you register, our volunteer coordinator will reach out with more details to help you find the perfect project to engage your team and create lasting positive change in Chattanooga.