Help care for our parks

Make a difference in your neighbourhood park through a one-time group activity or a long-term community project through our Partners in Parks program.

On this page:

  1. Organize a one-time group activity
  2. Start a long-term project
  3. Review roles and safety guidelines

Organize a one-time group activity

From May to October, groups can connect with nature and help care for our parks.

The city provides tools, resources, and technical expertise. Group leaders are responsible for recruiting participants and reviewing roles and safety guidelines before registering.

Choose an activity to organize

Group leaders (18+) can choose from:

Registration opens March 1

Register your group activity at least one month in advance.

Register for a one-time group activity

Start a long-term park project

Long-term park projects help build community and enhance green spaces. Projects run from spring to fall for a 3 to 5-year renewable term.

Application deadlines

  • March 31 for a spring or summer project (May 1 to August 31)
  • May 31 for a fall project (September 1 to October 31)

How to apply

1. Plan your long-term park project using the Partners in Park program guide (PDF).

2. Choose a project:

Contact stewardship@waterloo.ca to discuss a new idea or for more information.

Apply for a long-term park project

Review roles and safety guidelines

Before registering, review the roles and responsibilities for staff, group leaders, and participants.

Before you register, review the roles and responsibilities for City staff, group leaders, and participants.

City staff:

  • approve the park location and provide tools and supplies
  • lead and monitor each activity (except litter cleanups)
  • give an orientation to ensure tasks are completed safely

Group leaders (18+):

  • review key information and safety guidelines before registering
  • recruit and supervise participants
  • ensure participants wear protective clothing and sign waivers

Group participants:

  • can include family, friends, neighbours, schools, faith groups or corporate teams
  • should be at least 14 years old (recommended)
  • must sign a consent form; children under 18 must be listed under a guardian
  • take part in moderate physical activity, including bending, lifting, digging, pushing wheelbarrows and walking on uneven terrain

Follow these guidelines to keep activities safe for everyone.

Personal safety:

  • wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and long pants and sleeves
  • group leaders should bring a first aid kit and cell phone for emergencies
  • only use tools provided by city staff
  • be prepared for moderate physical activity

Park safety:

  • stay within park boundaries
  • watch for hazards like uneven ground, branches, stinging plants and insects, or slippery areas near water
  • suspend activities during unsafe weather conditions, such as thunderstorms

Litter cleanup safety:

  • pick up litter only
  • use special bags and gloves provided in your kit
  • report cleanup results using the instructions in your supply kit

  • Don’t pick up:
    • sharp items (glass, metal, objects that could cut)
    • needles or syringes – contact 519-886-1550 during business hours or email sharpscleanup@waterloo.ca 
    • hazardous waste (batteries, propane tanks, paints, solvents, chemicals)
    • bulky or unstable objects, such as furniture
    • active or abandoned campsites or shelters

How to report dangerous dumping:

  • for registered cleanups, follow instructions in your supply kit to report results
  • use the Report an Issue form to report dumping, large litter issues or active or abandoned campsites or shelters

Contact us

Email stewardship@waterloo.ca with any questions.