Frequently Asked Questions

Groups

Your family, class, place of business, social club, scout, nonprofit or church group are most welcome to volunteer together at the same park throughout the year. Let us know how many participants are in your group, and the types of projects you would be most interested in doing together.

Individuals

If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer outdoors, or if you live in an apartment/condo/dorm and really miss gardening, our Adopt-a-Park might be a perfect match for you! Projects that are great for individuals include weeding gardens, planting annuals, removing invasive vegetation and keeping a general eye on the park. If your project ends up needing more helping hands, we can help recruit neighbors or additional volunteers.

Children/Teens

Adopt-A-Park is a great way to encourage civic engagement from our city's youth. Not only are they getting fresh air and exercise, but it builds pride in their community when they see the fruits of their labor every time they pass the park or greenspace. Adult supervision is required. If your group includes youth who are under the age of 18, a ratio of 1 adult to every 10 teens, or 1 adult to every 5 children age 12 and under must be maintained at all times. Some parks projects are unsuitable for children under the age of five.

Adopt-A-Park projects will vary by location & season. Typical projects include maintaining gardens, removing litter, pruning trees/shrubs, spreading playground mulch, and removing weeds / invasive vegetation. You or your group may help maintain the entire park or commit to caring for one aspect (such as a flowerbed). We work together to coordinate projects that align with your interests and the park/location's needs.

The time commitment is very flexible. Some larger volunteer groups or families may opt to hold one annual event in their nearby park, while some local businesses or church groups may visit their park every month.  Generally, an Adopt-a-Park work day lasts two to three hours depending on the project. Individual volunteers can also work on pre-approved projects at their own leisure. Participants are expected to commit to their park for at least one year and are encouraged to return year after year.

Participation in Adopt-A-Park is completely free! The city will provide all necessary supplies, including plants, mulch and tools.  Alternatively, you or your group can make a tax-deductible* donation towards materials such as plants, mulch or larger projects. The Adopt-a-Park Coordinator can also work with you to receive reimbursement for pre-approved materials. 

* All contributions received by the City of North College Hill for the Adopt-A-Park program will be used exclusively for public purposes in accordance with IRS Section 170(c)(1).

The City of North College Hill accepts tax-deductible donations* for the Adopt-A-Park program according to the below guidelines. If you are unsure of whether we can accept your donation, please contact the Recreation Department at 513-728-4486 or Recreation@NorthCollegeHill.org. A receipt will be provided for all donations received. Please provide a good mailing address &/or email where we can send the receipt. 

Monetary Contributions

• Monetary contributions are accepted by cash, money order, check or credit card. 
• Checks & money orders should be made out to the City of North College Hill.
• Please clearly indicate "Adopt-A-Park" on your envelope, letter, check or money order. 
• To donate via credit card, please contact the Finance Office by phone during business hours at 513-521-7413. Note that a 3% credit card processing fee applies.

Supplies & Materials

Contact us to confirm our current need before purchasing or dropping off any of the below items.

• Empty 1-gallon screw-top style jugs (to fill with water for new plants)
• Gift Cards to garden supply retailers
• Pop-up "Tailgate" style tents (to provide shade on hot days)
• Folding tables/chairs
• Gardening tools (pruning shears, rakes, trowels, pitchforks, weed pullers, loppers, etc.)
• Individual bags of topsoil, garden soil or garden mulch. 
• We cannot accept contributions of playground mulch. There are specific health & safety requirements for this type of mulch. You are welcome to make a monetary contribution toward the purchase of playground mulch. (See above guidelines for Monetary Contributions.)

Plants / Trees / Shrubs

• Donations of plants, trees & shrubs will vary by location & season.
• Contact us to determine whether there is a current need.

Large Playground Structures / Construction Materials

• Contact us to determine whether there is a current need for donations of large playground structures or construction materials (concrete, pavers, etc.).

Chemicals / Liquids

• We cannot accept donations of any type of chemical or liquid, including pesticides, deer/rodent repellant, fertilizers, weed control, etc.

* All contributions received by the City of North College Hill for the Adopt-A-Park program will be used exclusively for public purposes in accordance with IRS Section 170(c)(1).