Volunteers

Whether you're a sports enthusiast who wants to pass on lessons of teamwork, a senior with time and talent to give, or a student looking for course credit, we have a volunteer opportunity to fit your lifestyle.

At Metro Parks, our mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn and grow. Moving our mission forward would not be possible without our volunteers' countless hours of service to our parks and to the people who enjoy them.

Want to get involved? With more than 75 park sites throughout Tacoma and diverse program offerings, there's a volunteer position that's right for you.
Active Lifestyles
Meadow Park Golf Course Marshals
• Call 253.473.3033 or e-mail Dan Harrington for more information.
Northwest Youth Sports Alliance Coaches
Get involved in your favorite sport. We have opportunities for coaches, assistant coaches and camp assistants for youth and adult sports.
• Call 253.305.1074 or e-mail Colby Wilson for more information. 
• Download Volunteer Application.
Wellness Activities & Runs
• Call 253.312.4458 or e-mail Janet Bissell for more information. 
Specialized Recreation & Sports
Make a difference and have fun at the same time.Volunteers are always welcome for any Specialized Recreation programs.Commitments can be tailored to your schedule, availability and interests.Want to have even more fun? Volunteer with a friend or family member. 
• Call 253.591.5314 or e-mail Parker Ayers for more information.
• Download Volunteer Application.
Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities Available for Special Olympics!
Winter – Basketball (November-March)
Spring – Soccer, Track & Field, Aquatics (Mar.-Jun.)
Summer – Golf, Softball (June-August)
Fall – Volleyball & Bowling (September-October)
Volunteer Registration Form
WSP Background Check
SPARX Middle School Collaborative
Metro Parks Tacoma started the SPARX middle school program with Tacoma Public Schools and the City of Tacoma to keep our youth safe, having fun and even learning something new after the school bell rings through Specialized Programs And Recreational eXperiences.
• Call 253.305.1037 or e-mail Rick Cottey for more information.
• Download Volunteer Application.
• Download Partnership Agreement
• Download Donation Form
Culture, Heritage & Community Services
Special Events
Metro Parks Tacoma runs a wide variety of special events. Opportunities for volunteers are listed as they become available.
 • Call 253.305.1043 or e-mail Joel Chang for more information.
Teen Leadership & Service Program
Working on a Senior Culminating Project, want a chance to explore an interest or potential career path, or just want to serve the community, work hard and have fun? Open to all students grades 9-12.
• Call 253.305.1097 or e-mail Sangkros Lok for more information.
• Download Flyer
• Download Volunteer Application.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Fort Nisqually welcomes volunteers on Foundation committees or for one time events.
• Call 253.591.5339 or e-mail Peggy Barchi for more information. 
Community Resource Centers
• Call 253.591.5321 or e-mail Michael Bradley for more information.
South Park & Community Arts Programs
Share your passion for art and creativity by assisting with camps, classes, events and activities in Metro Parks' Cultural Arts and Community Enrichment program. Working with children, adults, seniors and community groups provides a stimulating and rewarding experience.  
• Call 253.305.1036 or e-mail Dave Griffith for more information.
• Download Volunteer Application.
Center at Norpoint
• Call 253.591.5504 or e-mail Corinne Ells for more information.
Environmental Education & Adventure
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 
Volunteers donate their time and energy to interpret exhibits, lead educational programs, support staff with maintaining the zoo grounds and exhibits, work special events or assist with the care of the animals.
• Call 253.404.3687 for more information.
Tacoma Nature Center 
Volunteer opportunities include leading tours and programs, helping with special events, maintaining the trails and grounds, and staffing the front desk. In addition, teen volunteers ages 13 and older can help with a variety of tasks, from filling bird feeders to staffing the laboratory.
• Call 253.591.6439 or e-mail Marjorie Shea for more information.
• Download a Nature Center Volunteer Application
Outdoor Adventures & Ecotourism
• Call 253.594.7847 or e-mail Carrie Sabochik for more information.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Trek volunteers are active not only in our education department, but also in our animal care, maintenance, marketing, and visitor services areas.
• Call 360.832.7162 or e-mail Dan Belting for more information.
• Complete on-line Northwest Trek Volunteer Application.
Parks & Horticultural Services
CHIP-In! Citizens Helping Improve Parks
• Call 253.305.1014 or e-mail chipin@tacomaparks.com for more information. 
• W. W. Seymour Conservatory
• Greenhouse at Point Defiance Park
• Neighborhood Park Patrols
• Park clean ups and sponsors
• Green space & wetland restoration
• Scout or troop projects
• Garden clubs
• Parks Appreciation Day
• National Trails Day 
Other
Green Tacoma Partnership
The Green Tacoma Partnership (GTP) is a public private partnership between citizens, city agencies, non-profits, business and individuals working together to restore and steward Tacoma's open spaces and natural areas for the long-term.

Non-profit and community groups post habitat restoration event announcements and requests for volunteers to the Green Tacoma Partnership's community calendar.

You can also visit The News Tribune's website on stewardship events occuring in Tacoma and all around the south Puget Sound region.  This site includes a map of activities and contact information for getting involved. For more information about these volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteers@tacomaparks.com.

Last Updated: Jul 20, 2010 3:41 PM