Adopt-A-Park is a public service program, where community volunteers assist in keeping Brooklyn Center Parks clean. Adopt-A-Park is an excellent way for residents and organizations to make a contribution to the community by providing a cleaner and healthier environment.

Established in 1992, this program is open to community groups, clubs, churches, schools, service organizations, neighborhood groups, and individuals. Today, BC seeks to continually maintain and enhance public spaces.

Brooklyn Center prides itself on its 523 acres of parks and nature centers, each with its own personality. The Adopt-A-Park program has 23 parks designated as sites that can be adopted.

Mission: We are responsible to the future generations and the world we leave them. We will be good stewards of resources and use them conservatively and wisely.

Littering is costly. The City hires seasonal workers to empty trash cans and pick up litter year-round. Volunteers help save tax dollars by collecting thousands of pounds of trash each year while saving hundreds of staff hours in the parks division, allowing maintenance crews to devote more time and effort on other essential park projects.

Littering causes groundwater pollution. When litter is left on the ground, it finds its way into our water supply, our rivers and lakes; adding concerns to marine pollution, endangering aquatic life and humans. Brooklyn Center is one of the 124 cities and towns located along the Mississippi River. This program contributes to the economic value and ecological health of the river, promoting responsible stewardship of this valuable resource.

Littering also destroys the natural aesthetics of our beautiful parks and city, attracting rodents that can spread diseases.

A litter-free community is inviting to visitors, residents and businesses. Keeping these areas clean and healthy can only be done with the generous efforts of volunteers.

Thank you for volunteering your time through our Adopt-A-Park Program. As part of this effort, we are seeking groups that can commit to organizing multiple litter cleanups per year from April to October. The City supplies trash bags, grabbers, gloves and safety vests. Children under 18 must be supervised by an adult at cleanup events.

Once you Adopt-A-Park, and complete the first two scheduled cleanups, the City will provide a personalized sign in the selected park acknowledging your support. Volunteer groups, individuals and organizations will be recognized during the City’s Random Acts of Kindness Celebration and receive a certification of their commitment to the City’s Anti-Litter Campaign.

Residents and individuals: minimum one year commitment

• Sign up
• Select monthly clean up dates
• Plan to pick up supplies five days in advance
• Arrange for pickup of filled trash bags prior to, or right after your cleanup event by contacting the Maintenance Facility at 763-585-7100

Organizations and businesses: minimum two year commitment

• Designate a supervisor to sign up
• Organize a monthly community-based group outing
• Conduct outreach and encourage others to get involved
• Arrange for pickup of filled trash bags prior to your cleanup event by contacting the Maintenance Facility at 763- 585-7100

It's important to spend time planning your cleanup events. Here are some helpful tips to make the day efficient and fun for all participants:

• Arrange pick up of supplies at the BC Community Center prior to your cleanup event
• If you have a group, consider assigning work teams and leaders
• Wear closed toe shoes, apply sunscreen and bring a water bottle
• Many groups find it easier to carpool to avoid vehicles parked on the street
• Estimate the amount of time for your park cleanup and agree on a meeting place before and after work is done
• Arrange for pickup of filled trash bags prior to your cleanup events by contacting the Maintenance Facility at 763-585-7100
• Arrange drop off of materials at the end of the season

The park adoption sign will be added in the park once the partner fulfills the requirement of completing two scheduled pickups. Signs will be removed if there are no scheduled projects or communication with volunteer services after 6 months.

*As a token of our appreciation, groups will receive a second sign for personal use.

If you have any further questions, contact Public Works at 763-585-7100

Terms and conditions

The City of Brooklyn Center reserves the right to refuse, cancel or revise this agreement if in its sole judgement the nature of the group or its sign is political, controversial, or in questionable taste, or if the group is not meeting the terms and conditions of this agreement. By signing this agreement, the group acknowledges the nature of the work and agrees to comply with the terms and conditions herewith to the satisfaction of the City of Brooklyn Center.

Except for negligent acts of the City of Brooklyn Center, its agents and employees, the volunteers or their agents shall assume all liability for, and save the City of Brooklyn Center, its agents and employees, harmless from, any and all claims for damages, actions or causes of action arising out of the work to be done herein.

Any and all volunteers of the group or other persons while engaged in the performance of any work or service performed under this agreement shall not be considered employees of the City of Brooklyn Center, and any and all claims that may or might arise under the Worker’s Compensation Act of Minnesota on behalf of said employees or other persons while so engaged, and any and all claims made by any third party of the group’s volunteers or other persons while so engaged on any of the work or services to be rendered shall in no way be the obligation or responsibility of the City of Brooklyn Center.