Katelyn Freil, Marketing Specialist
Is your New Year’s resolution to spend more time outside, learn something new or make new friends? Do all this and more with Summit Metro Parks! As you make your resolutions for the new year, consider adding volunteering with your local park district to the list. The mission of the Summit Metro Parks volunteer program is two-fold:
- To encourage and promote community involvement and support for Summit Metro Parks, and
- To instill a sense of pride and stewardship among residents of our community
Most opportunities are available for volunteers ages 16 and older, and range from citizen science projects to program support. As a volunteer, you decide your time commitment. One-time volunteers include groups, like scout troops or company volunteers, as well as individuals. Occasional volunteers participate on a casual basis, while steady volunteers regularly participate in volunteer opportunities for the park district.
Become a volunteer and you’ll join an active, excited group of community members ready to make a difference in Summit Metro Parks. You’ll also join the new manager of volunteer programs, Lisa Meranti. With a background in conservation, education and volunteer management, Lisa is excited to connect people to nature and empower them to be stewards of our natural resources.
Lisa is working with volunteers like Audri Cochrane, who became a volunteer when she moved back to Ohio in 2020. “Volunteering with Summit Metro Parks was truly a bright spot during the pandemic and remains one of my favorite activities,” says Cochrane. “I would encourage anyone to get involved!”
Ready to start? Complete a volunteer application and sign up for an information session on one of the following upcoming dates:
- Monday, January 16 (MLK Day), 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. — virtual
- Thursday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. — in-person
- Thursday, January 26, 7:00 p.m. — virtual
Mark your calendars for other opportunities to be a volunteer for a day:
- Earth Day, April 22
- Mother’s Day 5K, May 14
- Native Plant Festival, May 20
- Touch-A-Truck, August 12
- Fall Family Outing, September 30 & October 1
For more stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.