Volunteers during the National Day of Service on Sept. 11 at Longfellow Creek.
Volunteers during the National Day of Service on Sept. 11 at Longfellow Creek.
Seattle Parks and Recreation has a number of opportunities available to celebrate the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Day. These opportunities range from weeding and mulching to picking up litter in parks.
“We have had numerous requests from teachers to perform service tomorrow,” said Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jesús Aguirre. “Already we around 450 teachers signed up to volunteer. We are so grateful to these teachers who are giving their time and energy to help make our parks better for everyone.”
Teacher-led work parties are taking place at Carkeek, Roxhill, Lincoln and Madrona parks, as well as along the Burke-Gilman Trail and Longfellow Creek, and at the Rainier Playfield. While these work parties are already filled to capacity, a few more are still open.
In conjunction with the Green Seattle Partnership, Seattle Parks and Recreation still has opportunities for volunteers, including:
Delridge and Myrtle Greenspace weeding and mulching
This service project was initiated by K-8 STEM staff. Volunteers will mulch and weed and area planted with native plants by STEM 5th graders in the spring. Bring your own bucket/shovel/gloves or tool of your choice to this impromptu event.
Lawton Park ad hoc event for teachers
Teachers at Lawton Park Elementary have initiated this project, which includes removing invasive weeds like ivy, blackberry, bindweed and nightshade, constructing platforms for debris piles, and clearing sidewalk gutters.
Additional volunteer work parties are available on Saturday, Sept. 12 along the Burke-Gilman Trail, at Golden Gardens, Licton Springs, Hitt’s Hill, Orchard Street Ravine and Seward Park.
To register for any of the above opportunities, visit the Green Seattle Partnership webpage at: http://seattle.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar/
In 2014, 37,000 volunteers donated 257,000 hours to Seattle Parks and Recreation. The department offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year that include everything from coaching basketball to building trails to mentoring kids. On Friday, Sept. 18, Seattle Parks and Recreation will participate in the largest one-day volunteer event in the state – the United Way Day of Caring. To learn more about becoming a Seattle Parks and Recreation volunteer, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/volunteers/default.htm.