Auburn launches Adopt-a-Park sign-ups; city will provide supplies and coordinate tasks

The City of Auburn is promoting an Adopt-a-Park program that lets volunteer groups commit to recurring park stewardship, officials said on the Auburn on Main podcast.

Amanda Valdez explained the process: groups apply through the parks department page on the city website, staff then consult parks maintenance to identify feasible work, and the city provides tools and supplies when coordinated in advance. Valdez said the program aims to reduce paperwork and make it easier for groups to return year to year.

As an early example the hosts noted that Regner Park was recently approved for adoption by a Girl Scout troop to perform litter pickup in designated areas. Hosts cautioned volunteers to use gloves and appropriate tools when cleaning storm drains or other wet locations; Valdez said the city can supply trash bags, pickers, grabbers and gloves if volunteers pick them up at the community center.

The program is structured to work on an annual basis, allowing groups to sign up for recurring stewardship rather than one-off cleanups.