Volunteer Recognition Program
Individual Volunteer Recognition Program
The City of Saint Paul has a history of providing outstanding programs and services that enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Volunteers are an essential component of the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department’s overall mission. With their assistance, we are able to complete a wide range of educational and environmental initiatives that have greatly benefited our city. Volunteers compliment the abilities and work of Parks and Recreation staff by significantly expanding the reach and impact of our programs.
The Volunteer Recognition Program is a way of saying thank you to those that contribute their time and effort to making Saint Paul the most livable city in America.
Eligibility
Participants who are registered under the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Volunteer Program as certified Park, Eco or Garden Stewards are eligible. Volunteers must report their hours of service to the Volunteer Coordinator via phone, email, or log them remotely through our Volgistics tracking software. Hours are subject to approval by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Individual participants that complete 120 hours of volunteer service, approved by the Volunteer Coordinator, are eligible for the following awards:
- 1 seasonal (3 month) individual or family aquatics membership valid at Great River Aquatic Center, Highland Aquatic Center, and the newly built Como Aquatic Center.
- 1 adult all access membership valid at Oxford Community Center. Pass includes: Walking Track, Fitness Center, Gym, and Water Park.
- 1 hanging basket (to hang flowers)
- An award given out at the Volunteer Coordinator's discretion
Group Volunteer Recognition Program
Eligibility
Groups who are registered under the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Volunteer Program as certified Stewards or Friends Groups are considered eligible. Volunteer Groups must report their hours of service on a consistent basis via phone or email, or log them remotely through our Volgistics tracking software. Hours are subject to approval by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Rules and Guidelines
Groups that have shown a consistent volunteer effort within a designated park, and accumulated 100 or more hours of service are eligible to receive a “Park Steward” sign recognizing their efforts that will be placed in a specified location.
Placement of Sign: The placement of the Park or Garden Steward sign is negotiable, but it must be approved by the Volunteer Coordinator and Park Maintenance staff. Certain restrictions may apply.
How Long Will Our Sign Stay Up: Park Steward signs will remain within the park as long as the group continues to show a dedicated volunteer effort. In addition, volunteer groups must consistently report their hours, and effectively communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator and other support staff when necessary. If a volunteer group wishes to no longer maintain the park, the signs will be removed.
Can we place our logo or design on the sign? Any corporate, business, or personally designed logo is subject to approval by the department. After being approved, the volunteer group must provide the image that they wish to be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Volunteer? In order to become a certified steward, prospective participants must register with the Volunteer Coordinator and be assigned a certain task or duty within a certain park. To register, a simple form needs to be filled out and signed. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more details.
Does a volunteer/group have to accumulate these hours in a certain amount of time? No, a volunteer or group can accumulate these hours over time.
How will I know when I’ve reached the designated amount of hours? Our volunteer system tracks the number of volunteer hours that have been accumulated. After the hours are verified, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you with instructions on how to receive your reward.
What if these awards aren’t of interest to me? If an award isn’t of interest to you, it is possible that the Volunteer Coordinator can work to find something more accommodating. There are no guarantees when it comes to alternative rewards.
How Do I Log my Hours? Hours can be logged 3 different ways:
How long is a season pass valid? A season pass is valid for 3 months from the day in which it is issued.
Can a volunteer give their pass to someone else if they already have an annual or seasonal pass? A season pass must be issued to the volunteer who accumulated the designated amount of hours. In the event that the volunteer already has a seasonal pass, we can work to find an alternative reward.
Contact
Volunteer Coordinator
Andy Rodriguez
651-632-2411
e-mail