The concept of a group of individuals coming together to become the caretakers of their park is what defines an Adopt-a-Park group. Adopt-a-Park groups consist of volunteers from businesses, service groups, schools and neighbourhood associations. These groups help to maintain their park by undertaking litter clean-ups, planting and weeding gardens, and reporting vandalism and graffiti. Some groups who have their Food Handler Certification will hold community barbecues and events in their parks to encourage community engagement. Working with City staff, these volunteers help to improve park amenities and create clean and safe parks.
Benefits of well-kept parks and public green spaces include:
• Boost to urban economy
• Natural beauty and neighbourhood gathering places
• Provides positive impression; appeals and attracts residents and visitors
• “Green infrastructure” that improves our local environment
• Prevents flooding and improves quality of water
• Cleaner air from trees; releasing oxygen and absorbing pollutants
• Natural habitat for animals and birds
• Play space for children
• Promotes physical activity and better health for all

Being part of an Adopt-a-Park program provides volunteers with an opportunity to:
• Keep your local park clean and green
• Work together with neighbours, community members and colleagues to foster community building
• Meet new people
• Be a good neighbour
• In recognition of your group’s hard work, we will install an Adopt-a-Park sign recognizing your efforts to help keep Hamilton clean and green

Adopt-a-Park groups do a lot of things to keep their park looking beautiful such as:
• Pick up litter
• Rake leaves
• Report and/or remove graffiti
• Report hazards
• Sweep walkways and paved areas
• Pull weeds
• Keep shrubs and gardens maintained
• Woodchip trees and shrub beds
Adopt-A-Park groups are provided with annual training information in the Spring and participate in a minimum of four clean-up and beautification activities per year.

The City of Hamilton will provide annual safety training, bags, gloves and access to the Community Clean-Up trailers when available.

The Adopt-a-Park Tool Box is created to offer some of the resources that you require including: .