Volunteer
2017 Volunteer Program
The volunteer program in Clearwater Parks &
Recreation started in the early 2000s. The mission of
the program is to assist and improve city programs,
services, facilities and beautification by recruiting,
training and retaining local community volunteers. In other
words, they jump in when there is a need to help fill the gaps
to provide the best service for the community.
In 2017, more than 4,200 Parks & Recreation volunteers
donated more than 50,000 hours to the city of Clearwater,
for a value of $1,178,000. The department partnered with
85 businesses, neighborhood associations, sports teams,
booster clubs, troops and service organizations to ensure the
success of special events, tournaments and environmental
projects throughout the year.
The city’s volunteers are committed to the mission,
cheerfully giving of their most valuable asset: their time.
People travel from all over Tampa Bay, and sometimes
farther, to participate in the city’s volunteer programs.
Volunteers do this because they feel valued and appreciated,
and they truly make a difference.
Recreation volunteers donated more than 25,000 hours to
assist with everything from animal care and invasive plant
removal to coaching youth and teaching seniors how to use
smart phones, tablets and computers.
Special event volunteers donated more than 10,000 hours
for city events at Coachman Park and recreation centers.
They help to make the 15 major events, such as the Sea-
Blues Festival and Clearwater Celebrates America event, a
success.
64 MyClearwater
Athletic volunteers donated nearly 7,000 hours for softball
and tennis tournaments as well as swim meets. As Clearwater
continues to take a bigger stage in sports tourism, bringing
in teams from all over the world to train and compete,
volunteers will continue to play critical roles at these events,
from team hosts to score keepers.
Volunteers assisted with more than 100 environmental
projects each year, such as trash cleanup, planting,
landscaping and general facility improvements, giving back
nearly 6,000 hours. There is a formalized Adopt-A-Park,
Street and Trail program within the department, with 25
current adoptions throughout the city. In addition to giving
back, being a part of the program is a wonderful way for
businesses and civic groups to gain exposure.
The Clearwater Greenies is a beautification group that
assists with helping to clear litter in Clearwater’s waterways.
Volunteers use kayaks to navigate areas that are inaccessible
on foot, so the areas may be cleaned up.
The love our volunteers have for all that is Clearwater helps
us to keep our city bright and beautiful. It increases pride
in our award winning beaches, amazing parks and first class
events. If you are interested in sharing your special skills,
time and energy, the city will certainly find the perfect
spot for you at Clearwater’s many parks, recreation centers,
special events or athletic tournaments. If you have a business
or group that would like to give back, a unique and special
event can be created for your team.
For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator
at natalie.lamb@myclearwater.com or 562-4803, or visit
myclearwaterparks.com for more information.