Adopt-A-Park/Trail Program

The City of Barrie offers a wide variety of parks and trails for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.  The Adopt-A-Park/Trail Program is a voluntary agreement between the City of Barrie and a particular organization, business, group or individual to assist in the continuing clean and safe use of a particular park or trail. 

Please click on the following link for easy online registration: www.barrie.ca/adoptapark. For more details about the program, read on below.

Our greenspaces provide many benefits to our community:

• Outdoor recreation and relaxation, which is part of a healthy lifestyle.
• Stronger economy by attracting tourists and increasing property values.
• Preservation and environmental education outside the classroom of our natural heritage.
• Protection of our local heritage by maintaining historic rail corridors, portage routes and footpaths.
• Augmentation of the natural beauty and views of our community landscapes.

Why participate in the 'Adopt-A-Park' or 'Adopt-A-Trail' Program?

Photo above: Volunteers scour the ground during Barrie's Spring Into Clean event.

• Boost pride and stewardship for community lands.
• Create a spirit of cooperation between the City and residents.
• Contribute to the safe enjoyment of greenspaces and neighbourhood security.
• Explore education opportunities regarding links between healthy living and maintaining our environment.
• Connect those interested in responsible land management practices.
• Contribute to the well-being of your community.

Who Can Adopt a Park or Trail? 

• 18 years of age
• Genuinely concerned for the well-being of our natural resources
• An individual, garden club, scout/guide group, youth group, special interest club, church organization, family, school, private industry and business, etc.

Role of the Volunteer

Photo above: Smiles from hard workers along the old rail bed on Lakeshore Drive.

1. Organize  park or trail clean-ups. Some helpful times include Earth Day Spring Clean-up around April 22 and a Fall Clean-up after leaves have dropped.
2. Report immediately hazardous litter items, such as needles, for attention by City staff.
3. Assist with the removal of glass bottles before they are broken.
4. Report community concerns.
5. Report vandalism to the Engineering Department during business hours (739-4207) or report vandalism that is in progress to the Police at 728-5588.
6. Clean-up during daylight hours only.
7. Provide adequate supervision to participants 18 years or younger.
8. Coordinate efforts with City staff for garbage pickup.
9. Commit to a 1 year period.
10. Volunteers are NOT authorized to do any works in the park or on the trail other than garbage collection for their own safety and protection.  All works will be completed by City staff.
11. Send stories and photos of your group's efforts for the web page.

Role of the City of Barrie

1. Liaise with volunteer groups and identify appropriate parks and trails.
2. Receive park and trail comments and incident reports.
3. Provide garbage collection removal.
4. Complete park and trail management works.
5. Distribute recognition stickers and badges to volunteers; provide venue for stories and pictures.

Clean-up Safety: A Common Sense Checklist

1. Let someone know where you are.
2. Carry a small first aid kit.
3. Wear long pants, even in summer, and comfortable footwear.
4. Carry adequate drinking water.
5. Dress for conditions.
6. Use insect repellent where appropriate.
7. Avoid overexertion on hot days.

Rules of the Parks and Trails

1. No motoized vehicles.
2. Stay within trail boundaries.
3. Have a sense of responsibility for safety for self and others.
4. Behave courteously to all park and trail users.
5. Protect natural resources.

Volunteer Recognition

Photo above: The group at Wilkins Beach do a thorough clean-up job!

Upon completion of the Adopt-A-Park or Trail project each volunteer will receive an Adopt-A-Park or Trail sticker and certificate to acknowledge your contribution.  After participating in three Adopt-a-Park or Trail projects, volunteers can qualify for an Adopt-A-Park or Trail badge.  In addition, groups can show off their accomplishments by submitting stories and pictures of trail projects for our website.

How to Get Involved 

1. Click on the following link to register online: www.barrie.ca/adoptapark. 
2. A staff member from Parks will contact you and provide contact information.
3. Keep in touch - report concerns and coordinate clean-ups.
4. Submit stories and pictures.
5. Collect your participation stickers.

RECENT EVENTS BY PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:

Send in your photos of your clean up event to see them posted here!

      Thank you for your involvement - You're making a difference!