Adopt-A-Park

What is the Elmhurst Park District Adopt-A-Park Program?

The Elmhurst Park District’s Adopt-A-Park Program is designed to encourage the community to work hands-on to help keep Elmhurst’s parks clean, safe, and attractive. The program offers the opportunity for people to get more involved in their community in a way that promotes civic pride, appreciation and awareness.

What does adopting a park entail?

When a group adopts a park from the Elmhurst Park District, the organization’s members pick up litter, report vandalism, make recommendations to improve the park’s amenities, general maintenance, and keep an eye on the park. 

Who can participate?

The Adopt-A-Park Program is open to individuals and families, youth groups, neighborhood associations, civic groups, religious organizations, service organizations, schools (school groups and teams), businesses and other community organizations throughout the City of Elmhurst.

What is the Adopt-A-Park time commitment?

Each year, the adoption commitment begins in April and concludes in December. Each group is required to set up monthly work dates at the beginning of their adoption through the end of the year. It is each group contact person's responsibility to organize monthly clean-ups and keep track of the group’s total volunteer hours. If your group chooses to work year-round with your Adopted Park, please advise us so the appropriate arrangements can be made.

Applications must be received by June 30 in order to get a recognition sign posted in the park you have adopted. Groups still may adopt a park after that date.

How does one go through the adoption process?

Please download the application in our Volunteer Packet and email it to the the Director of Parks. After application review, a park will be assigned to your group (specific parks can be requested but are assigned based on availability).

What are program benefits?

  • Your organization’s name will be acknowledged on a sign in the designated area of the park.
  • It gives groups a chance to have a hands-on role in keeping their park clean and beautiful.
  • It is a great way for your group to spend quality time together and feel good about giving back to your community

What are the Adopt-A-Park guidelines?

  1. Parks will be assigned to groups on a first-come, first-serve basis with priority given to returning groups. 
  2. Groups are to commit to work in the parks one day per month from April to December, but may also work other times at their leisure.  If the group has collected a large amount of trash from a park or needs assistance of any kind, they may contact the Director of Parks.
  3. Each group will receive waiver forms that must be completed for each volunteer prior to the first work day.  All waiver forms must be emailed to dpayneatepd.org (dpayne[at]epd[dot]org) or mailed to the Elmhurst Park District, Attn: Adopt-A-Park, 375 W. First Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126.
  4. A work hour log form will be emailed to the contact person for each group. The log must be submitted within 7 days of the event. If work logs are not received regularly, the group will be contacted and asked to renew their commitment or let another group adopt their site.
  5. All participants should be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult supervisor (i.e., scout and youth groups accompanied by adult sponsors).
  6. Work is to be completed during park hours only (dusk to dawn).
  7. Please do not pull any weeds or vegetation without prior approval from the Park District.
  8. Appropriate clothing for weather and work gloves should be worn.
  9. Please report any vandalism or damage to Park District property.
  10. All participants are to follow all park policies set by the Elmhurst Park District.
Director of Parks
Dan Payne, CPRP
Executive Staff
Assistant Director/Director of Parks