Volunteers at the Naperville Park District continue to enrich programs and benefit parks, as they have for years, supporting youth soccer and other programs and beautifying the Riverwalk and many other parks. In 2011, the Park District created a new position dedicated entirely to coordinating the volunteer program.  As a result, both the diversity of projects and number of volunteers have increased steadily.

Formerly a community relations representative for the Park District, Lynnette Hoole began serving as volunteer coordinator early in 2011. She brings enthusiasm and experience to the job, and can hardly wait to implement some of her ideas for engaging volunteers.

Volunteers at the Garden Plots
One of her ideas was to begin a Garden Plot Ambassador program. “The gardeners like their time alone, tending their plants, but they also need to know the latest news about the plots, and they enjoy the sense of community out there,” said Hoole. “Garden Plot Ambassadors just walk around the plots, letting gardeners know upcoming dates, Park District information, and where they can find help for any of their gardening questions,” she said.  By the way, you don’t have to be a master gardener to be a Garden Plot Ambassador.  The main qualifications needed are the desire to help others, enjoyment of the outdoors, and availability. The Garden Plot Ambassadors act as liaisons to the master gardeners, who also volunteer their time at the Garden Plots, offering on-the-spot advice during regular hours in the summer. 

Master Gardeners, together with the new Garden Plot Ambassadors, are on hand
at the West Street Garden Plots to assist gardeners during the growing season.

Adopt-A-Park
Another new volunteer program just getting underway this fall is the Adopt-A-Park program. This program is for individuals or groups who want to take care of a park on a regular basis for one year or more. Cocntact Lynnette Hoole at lhoole@napervilleparks.org for more information. The Naperville Evening Kiwanis Club is the first group to adopt a park. They completed their first park spruce up project at Veterans Park on September 10, mulching tree rings, removing invasive plants, and picking up litter. They plan to gather at the park a few more times this fall, and then will return next spring.

Naperville Evening Kiwanis Club at their adoped park, Veterans Park

A Place for Everyone
Volunteering at the Park District gives people of all ages and abilities opportunities to make the most of their free time, serving the community as well as gaining valuable experience, meeting new people, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors. From small children who volunteer with their families to senior adults who coordinate programs for their peers, there is a place for everyone who is willing and able to volunteer.

This year the District has continued an initiative to coordinate projects with volunteers from special education programs in School District 204. Special needs students have picked litter at the Frontier Skate Facility and cleaned preschool toys. Students from both school districts have helped plant prairie seeds at Commissioners Park. “Volunteering can be a helpful transition from school to work situations for high school students with special needs,” said Park District Volunteer Coordinator Lynnette Hoole. “In addition to practicing life and work skills, they gain a sense of belonging,” she said.

Student volunteers help make tutus for the preschool program.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
October traditionally marks the beginning of the busy season for volunteers, with over 100 teen volunteers needed at Halloween Happening, and even more needed at Santa House in December. The Park District will display information about volunteer opportunities at the upcoming Kidsmatter Volunteer Fair. 

With the growth of the Park District’s youth sports programs, parents have many opportunities to get involved with their child’s team as a coach, assistant coach, liaison, or equipment volunteer.  Naperville Youth Soccer has expanded to include indoor soccer at Player’s Indoor Sports during the cold season. Volunteers are also needed for the new Premier Indoor Soccer League and for baseball programs during the spring and summer.

There are endless opportunities to get involved in volunteering at the Park District, both in existing
programs and in ways that we haven’t thought of yet.  Your suggestions and talents are welcome! 

  
  Over 100 volunteers are needed at Halloween Happening

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