“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mohandas K. Gandhi
Everybody knows VIP stands for “very important person(s).” At Broward County Parks and Recreation Division, our volunteers have always been exceptionally important 
people, and with that in mind we’re introducing the VIP Program – Volunteers Improving Parks.
Our mission: To increase community involvement with Broward County Parks by providing a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals, corporations, and organizations in order to assist in the beautification, maintenance, and programming of the County’s park system.
The VIP Program offers short-term and long-term opportunities for individuals, families, students, corporations, and groups both large and small to share their time and talents with the community. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the park system, and we can work with you to schedule dates and times that are convenient for you. For many projects, no experience is required – we will provide the necessary training and assistance to accompany any opportunity you choose, along with any special equipment needed.
Here’s How It Works
“Paul Revere earned his living as a silversmith. But what do we remember him for? His volunteer work.” – Susan J. Ellis
The first step is to find a project that’s in line with your talents and interests and the amount of time you’re willing to commit.
Project Announcements - Find The Volunteer Experience For You!
EcoAction Days Volunteers
Potential volunteers may download the volunteer application (PDF) and bring the completed forms to the park where you would like to volunteer. If you prefer, you may pick up an application at the park. Those who are volunteering for a special event or a workday should download and fill out the Workday Volunteer application (PDF) prior to your arrival at the park.
For volunteers who are under 18 years of age, parental signatures are required. Please bring a photo I.D. to the park when you sign up to volunteer. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Division’s Volunteer Coordinator at 954-357-8153 or visit the park of your choice.
The Benefits of Volunteerism
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” – Albert Schweitzer
Judging from the feedback we get from our volunteers, they get a great deal of satisfaction from a job well done. Here are a few examples of the things you can accomplish with only a few hours a week of volunteer service:
• Acquire skills and gain experience that can be applied in a variety of jobs and careers.
• Assist in organizing and staffing special events that help the community.
• Increase public awareness of the importance of South Florida’s remaining natural areas.
• Develop interpersonal and customer-service skills necessary to work well with others, including the public.
• Improve the environment by clearing natural areas of trash and invasive plants.
• Help a child by providing one-on-one homework assistance in our After-School Program.
• Instill sportsmanship, leadership, and team building in young people.
• Meet the education system’s requirement for community service hours.
The Track Record for Volunteers at Broward County Parks
“A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.”
– Greek proverb
As one of Broward County’s largest agencies, the Parks and Recreation Division is especially dependent on the contributions of its volunteers. While up to 575 Parks employees may report to work on an average day, that workforce may be supplemented by as many as 200 volunteers, especially on weekends.
That translated, in FY 2011, a total of 63,206 volunteer hours were donated to the Division. More than 1,700 new volunteers were added to the system in 2011, bringing the Division’s total number of volunteers this past year to approximately 2,000.
Anne Kolb, Fern Forest, and Secret Woods nature centers have long had their own volunteer “friends” groups, and there are longtime volunteers at such specialized facilities as the Tradewinds Park Stables and Educational Farm, the Markham Park Target Range, and the mountain bike trails at Markham and Quiet Waters parks.
Thanks to Volunteer Groups!
JM Family Enterprises Inc.
Motorola
Easterlin Eagle Scout Project
Pine Crest School
Dart Container Sales Co.
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Markham Park May 15, 2011
Members of Broward County Parks Bike Patrol were recognized for their dedication on May 15 with a picnic at Markham Park. Parks and Recreation Director Dan West (far right) addressed the group and commended them for their invaluable service to Parks and to the cycling community. Park Manager Trevor Fell awarded certificates of appreciation to those volunteers who had accumulated more than 500 hours of service. Patrick Mason of the Parks Safety Section recognized two patrol members who made significant contributions to rider safety by performing monthly trail inspections: Michael Hodges and Roseanne Valenza (pictured, with certificates).
With the assistance of the volunteers, Broward County Parks has developed extensive mountain bike trail systems at both Markham and Quiet Waters parks. Volunteers provide trail maintenance and serve as bike patrol members. More than 17,000 people have registered to ride the trails since 2008.
We appreciate our volunteers and value the thousands of hours they contribute to the Parks and Recreation Division each year!
Summer Recreation Volunteer Recognition
Summer Program volunteers are essential support for the Summer Recreation Program. These young men and womens arrived every day ready to assist in any area that was required, such as crafts, sports, games, supervision of groups of young children, and field trips, as well as in the office and during special events. They also prepared and ran the carnival booth during the “End of the Summer Festivities.” Twenty-eight volunteers contributed 2,763 hours of service to the program this year and received certificates of appreciation for their enthusiasm and support. We hope to see them again next summer!
Florida Master Gardeners Among the Parks and Recreation Division’s Volunteers
“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
In June 2011, 32 enterprising Broward County residents passed a three-hour written exam and a two-hour laboratory exam to become the latest Florida Master Gardeners – volunteers whose time and expertise are put to use serving fellow Broward County residents. The exams were the culmination of their intensive 15-week, 120-hour lecture, laboratory, and field Master Gardener training.
Master Gardeners learn about sustainable, Florida-Friendly™ landscaping, including the use of native species, water and soil conservation, best management practices for irrigation, and Integrated Pest Management for homes and landscapes. The Master Gardeners receive intensive instruction in their central role of working the Public Answer Hotline (954-357-5121 or mastergardener@broward.org) and as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods/NatureScape Yard Inspectors.
For more information about the Master Gardener Program, contact the UF-IFAS/Broward County Extension Office at 954-357-5121 or visit Master Gardeners Web page.
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Volunteer Forms - Required for Participation
Workday Application (PDF -104 KB)for volunteers who only want to volunteer for a specific one-day project or event.
Volunteer Application (PDF -232 KB). Broward County Policies (PDF -3.6 MB)
See Volunteer Project Announcements
Tell Us About Your Volunteer Experience! (PDF -198KB)
The application can be filled out on your computer and then printed. The Broward County policies may be reviewed online or printed for your convenience. Bring completed application and photo identification to the park where you would like to volunteer. Students, under the age of 18, will need their parent/guardian signature on these forms. For more information, contact the park of your choice or Parks' Volunteer Coordinator at 954-357-8153 or e-mail.
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Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.