City of Cedar Rapids Launches Adopt-A-Park Initiative

Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department is launching a new Adopt-A-Park initiative. The program invites local organizations to partner with the City to help care for parks through organized volunteer efforts.

The initiative provides businesses, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and community groups with an opportunity to support clean, welcoming, and well-maintained park spaces across Cedar Rapids. Participating organizations commit to a two-year term and complete at least one cleanup activity per quarter, with activities that may include litter cleanup, light beautification, and reporting maintenance concerns to Parks staff.

"Our Adopt-A-Park initiative gives organizations a meaningful way to connect with their community while helping care for spaces that people use every day," said Carrie Mardorf, Parks & Recreation Director. "We receive a number of volunteer requests each year, and this program allows us to better coordinate those efforts, prioritize park needs, and be strong community partners. It also supports cleaner parks, encourages shared responsibility, and strengthens the connection between our community and its public spaces."

The initiative also leverages the City Manager's 1 Bag Challenge, which provides trash bags and gloves for cleanup activities, along with coordination support from Parks & Recreation staff, allowing participating organizations to focus on organizing volunteers and completing activities within the approved scope of the initiative.

Participating organizations will be recognized through park signage and City communications based on participation and availability. The initiative also encourages community stewardship and ongoing care for park spaces to help maintain a high-quality park system across Cedar Rapids.

Organizations interested in participating can learn more and apply online at CityofCR.com/AdoptAPark, and additional information is available by contacting Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation at 319-286-5566.

Visit CityOfCR.com/1Bag for more information regarding the City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge.