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Parks and Recreation Department Adopt-A-Park Program
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
In an effort to engage with the community to keep the Hernando County Parks clean and litter-free, the Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department is introducing a new program to meet the community's strong willingness for volunteer participation. Simple clean-up activities are an easy way for the public to contribute towards the enhancement and protection of our recreational and public park properties.
A number of volunteer groups have conducted clean-up activities and expressed interest in partnering with Hernando County to initiate an Adopt-A-Park Program. The program would function through a core group of volunteers to be designated as an Adopting Organization of a particular park, agreeing to conduct clean-ups, enhancements, or other improvements at least twice a year and follow agreed upon safety guidelines and procedures.
The program entails a total of six (6) documents that make up the Adopt-A-Park program. 1.) Enrollment Form, 2.) Agreement Form, 3.) Risk and Release Form, 4.) Parent/Guardian Form, 5.) Dates/Activities List, and 6.) Safety Guidelines. The program agreement must be executed by the Adopting Organization and provides details on safety measures and requirements such as background checks for volunteers. The documents were modeled after programs adopted by other local governments and were reviewed by County's Legal Department and Risk Management Staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Upon Board approval, funding for the Adopt-A-Park Program will be available in Expense Account 0011-04441-5305310 for Adopt-A-Park signage ($1,000.00).
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is granted the authority under Chapter 125, Florida Statutes to authorize staff to establish policies for health, safety, and welfare of its citizens.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board endorse the Parks and Recreation Department efforts to promote the Adopt-A-Park Progra...
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