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09/30/2026 8:36 am

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Raleigh Parks Volunteer Program

Updated: Sep 30, 2026

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Upcoming Events Greater Commitment Opportunities Other Ways to Get Involved Court Appointed and Suggested Service Volunteer Services Newsletter Annual Reports

Make a difference in your community by volunteering with Raleigh Parks! Assist with landscaping, coaching, special events, the Adopt-A-Trail program, and other opportunities. There are many ways for individuals, groups, students, and businesses to contribute to our quality programs and facilities.

Upcoming Events

These volunteer projects support programs, maintenance needs, and events across Raleigh Parks. By signing up, you help make Raleigh a better place to work, live, and play. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to our parks and programs.

Find an Opportunity
The openings listed below reflect all currently available projects.

  • If a project is full, join the waitlist - spots often become available.
  • Check back anytime for newly added opportunities.
  • Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter to stay in the loop.
  • Visit Volunteer Raleigh's website to connect with other organizations that need help.

For Groups
Complete the Group Interest Form to help our team match your group with upcoming projects and to reserve spaces for group members to sign up.

Boy painting a mural
Volunteer painting a fence
volunteer kids planting a tree
Group of Holiday Express event volunteers under Pullen Park sign.
Volunteer removing invasive species

Greater Commitment Opportunities

Making a yearlong commitment with parks gives you a greater opportunity to make an impact on your community. All of the following opportunities require an application and background check. Individuals/group contacts must be at least 18 years old to apply. 

Program 

Description 

Conditions 

Schedule 

Adopt a Park

Interested individuals and groups can participate in park litter cleanups and support the Raleigh Parks System.

  • Sign Agreement
  • Submit hours to Volunteer Services

One year minimum with optional renewal. At least 6 cleanups a year.

Adopt a Trail

Interested individuals and groups can participate in trail litter cleanups and support the Capital Area Greenway System.

  • Sign Agreement
  • Submit your hours to Volunteer Services

One year minimum with optional renewal. At least 6 cleanups a year.

Garden Programs

Interested individuals can help parks staff in maintenance and horticultural needs within a park.

  • Sign Agreement
  • Submit your hours to Volunteer Services

One year minimum with optional renewal. Meet weekly or biweekly depending on program.

Mordecai Docents

Docents will be responsible for giving one-hour park tours that include the historic Mordecai house, outbuildings, and landscape.

  • On-site training with staff
  • Coordinate schedule with staff

Weekly: each Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Athletic Volunteers 

Interested individuals can help make a difference by mentoring and coaching for youth organized sports leagues.

  • Complete Application

Season long commitment with weekly practices and games.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Program 

Description 

Fred Fletcher Awards 

Learn about the Fred Fletcher Outstanding Volunteer Awards, view award categories, find past recipients, and nominate an outstanding volunteer! 

Donations

Learn ways you can donate to the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources including the donor bench program and the general park enhancement fund. 

Scout Awards 

Raleigh Parks Volunteer Services offers scouting projects for earning Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards, Eagle Scout Awards, Adventure Scout Awards, Quartermaster Awards, and more. Learn how to partner with the City of Raleigh to receive your scouting award. 

Invasive Species 

Learn about identifying invasive vegetation, their negative impact on the environment, and how to effectively remove them.

Cultural Outreach and Enrichment

Learn about the Cultural Outreach and Enrichment (COE) Program. Volunteering with COE may include teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at a community center or virtually (opportunity currently closed). 

Historic Resources  

Learn how you can support local museums and historic sites by volunteering. 

Partnering with Raleigh Parks

Support our community through sponsorship or partnership and cement your place in the lives of our workers, residents, and visitors!

Court Appointed and Suggested Service

This program provides an opportunity for individuals who need to complete requirements for court appointed volunteer hours and/or volunteer hours suggested by a lawyer or court official. Volunteers in this program can assist at the City of Raleigh Greenhouse. This is the only location and opportunity available for this program and is based on staff need. Days and times open for volunteering are Tuesdays between 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Volunteers assigned more than 24 hours of service are unable to volunteer for this opportunity. Please contact prvolunteer@raleighnc.gov with inquiries. A letter from your lawyer stating the charge and the total number of hours appointed/suggested is required to be submitted.

Volunteer Services Newsletter

 

New and Existing Subscribers

Subscribe or manage your subscription to the newsletter by entering your email here:

Annual Reports

Annual Reports

 

2025

2023

2020

2018

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

 

Raleigh Police Department Greenway Volunteers

Historic Resources and Museum Program

Athletics

Cultural Outreach and Enrichment

Volunteer Raleigh

Stormwater Volunteering

Contact

 

General Questions:
prvolunteer@raleighnc.gov
919-996-4810

Olinda Oliveira
Volunteer Services Coordinator, Parks
Olinda.Oliveira@raleighnc.gov 

Rachel Van Noordt
Volunteer Services Coordinator, Recreation and Resources
Rachel.VanNoordt@raleighnc.gov 

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Lead Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Service Categories:
ParksParks Programs

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