Get Involved

Community members are the foundation behind as well as the reason for Metro Parks Tacoma. With helping hands, time, money, memberships and considerable effort, community members help keep Tacoma green and healthy.

Upcoming Opportunities to Help - 2009

Watch this page for upcoming opportunities for individuals or groups to help with special events or projects in our parks.

Date       Event or Park Name Contact      
help needed evening of Nov. 25 and day of Nov. 26
The One & Only Turkey Trot! - Thanksgiving Morning - November 26 - View Flyer
The Turkey Trot is a 5K run in Northeast Tacoma that starts and ends at the Centre at Norpoint. This amazing run includes prizes, a number of divisions, a kids dash, and tons fo fun. The race starts at 8 am. Learn more at www.metroparkstacoma.org/trot.
Help is needed anytime from set up Wednesday night thru close down Thursday afternoon.
Volunteers are needed to:
- Be course-marshals - give water to course participants
- Facilitate check in/registration processes
- Facilitate tracking, band removal, and posting of scores
- Help with pre-post and kids' run activities
Benefits of volunteering include volunteer refreshments and t-shirts.
Preferred Contact Deadline: November 13		 Janet Bissell
305-1028
Phil Marr
591-5504
1:30-5 pm
Dec. 6
Specialized Recreation Christmas Cruise - December 6 - View Flyer
The 26th annual Christmas Cruise is a night of unique holiday fun for persons with disabilities. The cruise happens on the Thea Foss Waterway and includes boat rides, dinner, dancing and holiday cheer on a sunday afternoon. The event includes indoor and outdoor venues.
The event runs from 1:30 to 5 pm. Volunteers are needed for morning set up and to help guests during the event.
Volunteers are needed to:
- Assist guests on and off the boat
- Set up and decorate
- Facilitate check in
- Share in the holiday activities
- Partner with ways to make the event even more enjoyable
Benefits of volunteering include enjoyment of a beautiful event on Tacoma's waterfront and certificate of service.		 Parker Ayers
591-5314
10 am-noon on Dec. 12 & as much as 2 weeks in advance
Visit with Santa at South Park Community Center - December 12 - View Flyer
A holiday treat for the whole family, featuring a much better opportunity to get a picture with Santa than waiting in line at the mall. Enjoy the holiday crafts, festive music and time with neighbors and friends.
Event set up and preparation begins as much as two weeks in advance, in addition to day of support. Decorating and set design, preparation for crafts, etc. can be arranged anytime after December 1.
Types of activities:
- Set up, clean up
- Program preparation and activities
- Event logistics - direct guests, restock supplies, parking, etc.
- Assist with photo station
- Decorations
- Craft station
Preferred Contact Deadline: December 1, 2009		 Bonnie Elliser
591-5299
volunteers needed during the School Year
SPARX after school collaborative - Because after the bell counts! - View flyer
SPARX is an after school program for students in Tacoma's 11 public middle schools. The program provides a safe place for students to do academic and enrichment activities with caring adults. There are a number of opportunities such as visual and performing arts, sports and fitness, outdoor adventures and universal recreation that complement intramural sports and clubs offered by the school. This ensures that every middle school student has productive opportunities available to them every day of the week and on school breaks.
Mentors, tutors and activity leaders are needed after school, approximately from 2:30 to 4 pm one or more days a week. The time at each school is slightly different based on the bell schedule. Volunteers can work at one site or take a hobby/interest to multiple sites as available. Background check and minimum commitment is required. Types of activities:
- Tutoring
- General Recreation Mentor
- Activity Club Leader
- General Program Support
- Field Trip Chaperone		 Rick Cottey
305-1037
August-November 2009
Northwest Youth Sports Alliance - Youth Soccer Coaches - View flyer
NYSA youth soccer is a rec program available to boys and girls ages 5-12 that focuses on teaching basic soccer techniques and principals, promoting fair play and sportsmanship, and providing players with structured competitive play. Games are all played on Saturdays at the South End Recreational Area (SERA) complex.
Coaches packets are available online after July 20 and team rregistration is accepted August to September. League Play begins in early October. Coaches are needed for youth who are not signed up as part of a team. Teams need to be formed to allow these youth the opportunity to play. Volunteer coaches can gain experience during the Pre-Season Soccer Camp. Teen assistants for teams are also needed.
Volunteer coaches:
- attend coaches trainings, certifications & meetings
- organize team practices and communicate with players and parents
- coach the youth at games
- organize post-season recognition for players with participating families.
Benefits of volunteering include training and coaches recognition gift at the end of the season.		 Roy Fletcher
305-1025

Looking for longer term commitments?
CHIP-in! - Sponsor a neighborhood or community park by performing maintenance on a regular basis
Check out our Volunteers page to find on-going opportunities to help at one of our facilities, parks or with one of our programs.
Join an Advisory Council and provide valuable input on MPT programs and facilities to staff members and the Board of Park Commissioners.  
Become a Member of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum and W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory and show your support for the work that they do
Donate to Greater Metro Parks Foundation
Participate in Parks Appreciation Day - April 18, 2009
Attend one of our Bond Project Public Meetings

Volunteer for Special Olympics

Gain work experience through an Internship

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2009 4:51 PM