2. Washougal Parks Overview

   The City of Washougal Parks began through receipt of a land donation along the Washougal River by the Hathaway family in 1910. Today, the City of Washougal has 19 parks/natural areas and several acres of undeveloped open space. Washougal strives to augment recreationally deficient parkland and acquire ideal properties for future needs, while maintaining a high level of service for the public. 

4. Adopt-a-Park Program

   Adopting a park is a great way to make a difference in the community. This program provides a variety of ways for local groups, families, and businesses to get involved and help keep our parks safe and clean. Any local group such as families, individuals, businesses or other organizations can "adopt" a park in Washougal. There is no fee to adopt a park. Basic tools will be provided upon request by contacting the Community Engagement Coordinator. The Adopt a Park commitment is for one year from June to June with the opportunity to renew annually. Adopters are expected to complete and submit the Annual Report Form.

   Adopt-a-Park Signs:

   Park adopters are eligible for an acknowledgement sign with their name and/or logo in their designated park or site. Signs will be posted by our department in a location appropriate for exiting conditions.

   Each volunteer individual or group assumes responsibility for an adopted park or other area and agrees to participate in improvement and maintenance activities for one year. The program runs from June to June. The City of Washougal works with the adopting group or individual to assist in planning events and proposing projects for the selected area. Some parks, open spaces and trails may not be considered due to safety concerns or technical issues.

   To ensure the program runs smoothly, the city has established the following roles and rules. Please read all information carefully before signing the agreement and returning it to the City.

6. Program Rules and Volunteer Responsibilities

   Safety is a priority while working in Washougal’s parks, trails and open spaces. To ensure volunteers enjoy their work and stay out of harm’s way, the following rules must be reviewed with all volunteers prior to any on-site activities and adhered to at all times:

   1. Complete and sign an Adopt-a-Park Application and other releases, waivers and forms as required by the City.
   2. Agree to a Washington State Patrol background check if required by state law if applicable.
   3. Name a designated volunteer organization representative to act as the primary contact for City of Washougal staff members.
   4. Set up a meeting with the Community Engagement Coordinator to discuss adoption details and create a park work plan based on adopted park and group needs.
   5. Complete monthly tasks (less required in winter months)
   6. Notify the Community Engagement Coordinator of the date, time and location of work to be done on City property prior to the intended start of work.
   7. Submit hours worked to the Community Engagement Coordinator for coverage under Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
   8. Wear city provided fluorescent vest at all times while working in adopted space.
   9. Wear appropriate clothing. Gloves and clothes covering the entire body should be worn when volunteers are working in areas where insects or other nuisances are present.
   10. Leather work gloves over latex gloves are strongly recommended. Shoes of sufficient strength with strong soles should be worn.
   11. Provide appropriate hand tools, including clippers, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, pruners, grub hoes, and brooms. Please contact the community engagement coordinator for assistance with tools, safety equipment, and supplies
   12. Start work only after your group leader has set warning signs for any traffic and has given the go ahead.
   13. Contact the City of Washougal at 360.835.8501 if large items, such as appliances, couches, etc., are found and do not try to remove them. Recycle any recyclable items.
   14. Avoid touching any potentially hazardous items, including pesticide containers, chemical containers or hypodermic syringes. If you touch an unknown item, wash your skin with water immediately and use soap after rinsing if available.
   15. Have a first aid kit available at the cleanup site. Having at least one person with a valid first aid card present during cleanup activities is strongly recommended.
   16. Provide adult supervision of at least one adult for every eight (8) participants under fourteen (14) years old during activities on site.
   17. Contact the non-emergency number of the Washougal Police Department at 311 to report any suspicious items or activities.
   18. Ensure there is at least one person on site during cleanup activities who has a cell phone for any emergency calls or calls regarding suspicious/large items.
8. Scope of Work

   Allowed Tasks

   • Pick up pet waste
   • Bag up garbage and litter, stack sticks, branches, and small fallen limbs
   • Pull weeds (hand tools permitted)
   • Raking leaves
   • Volunteers shall obey the posted park rules per Washougal Municipal Code
   • Stay within 5’ of the park, open space, and designated trails 

   *Items collected can be placed at park sign for collection by city staff.

   Prohibited Tasks

   • Use of power tools or motorized equipment
   • Application of pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals
   • Cutting and/or removing trees, bushes, and shrubs

   Please contact Washougal Community Engagement Team at 360.835.8501 or volunteer@cityofwashougal.us for additional information.

12. Adopt a Park Application
14. Name of Group/Organization*
15. Date*
    Date
17. Check one:*

    1. Business
    2. Non-Profit Group
    3. School
    4. Other
19. If other, please list below.*
21. Primary Contact Information
23. Name*
24. Email Address*
26. Address*
28. City*
29. State*
30. Zip Code*
32. Phone Number*
34. We would like to adopt:*
36. Parks

    To see a complete list of city parks go to: https://www.cityofwashougal.us/AdoptaPark. (*) are already adopted.

38. Commitment Timeframe*
40. The City of Washougal thanks you for completing the Adopt-a-Park Program application.

    Please submit completed for review and approval.

    If you have questions, please email volunteer@cityofwashougal.us or call 360.835.8501

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42. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
43. Email address

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44. Submit

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