Every year, hundreds of volunteers come to our city's parks, recreation centers and offices to give back to the community with their incredibly talented abilities. Volunteers from all different ages, and different backgrounds come together to enhance the importance of volunteer services supporting a variety of excellent programs and special events.

Are you motivated? Are you ready to show off your talent and abilities? See our monthly volunteer opportunities calendar to see how you can help!

Volunteers can perform a variety of duties, including:

• Contributing to the beautification of a community, neighborhood, regional or open space park.
• Helping to restore a native environment, improve wildlife habitat and plant native plant materials.
• Assisting people with disabilities so they can take part in recreation activities and special events such as wheelchair Over the Line, tennis, dances and camps.
• Escorting seniors on day trips and serving refreshments at monthly dances.
• Helping educate the public by leading historical, interpretive, and educational tours of parks and preserves.
• Assisting in offices with such tasks as answering phones, arranging files and greeting visitors.
• Providing access to natural areas so the public can enjoy the parks, preserves and canyons.
• Improving the life of a child through recreation!

Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals or groups such as schools, company engagements, and clubs. A large portion of our volunteers consist of students at high school and colleges seeking to fulfill a community service requirement. Our incredible staff are more than willing to verify your hours. Who knows? Perhaps after your requirements have been met, you'll find you'd like to continue volunteering for your community.

"The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of who you are."
- Johnnetta B. Cole

 

All prospective volunteers are required to complete a written application.

• Individual Volunteer Application
• Group Volunteer Application

Applications are also available at the following location:

Park and Recreation Department
Volunteer Management Office
2130 Pan American Way
San Diego, CA 92101

Court Referred Community Service Volunteer

To find a volunteer site and for additional information (assignments / work hours, attire, documentation of hours, etc.) view our Court Referred Community Service Volunteer Information sheet .

All prospective Court Referred Community Service volunteers are required to complete the following forms

• Court Referred Community Service Volunteer Application
• Court Referred Community Service Volunteer Participation Agreement

Bring both forms with you and your court documents to your assigned site and submit to supervisor prior to beginning volunteer assignment.

 

Volunteer Age Requirement: The minimum age is 8 with an adult and 13 without an adult. Youth ages 13 and over must have parent/legal guardian signed liability waiver prior to volunteering. Please download the liability waiver and bring it with you to the event (waiver can also be signed on day of event).

Confirm Project: Contact the project supervisor listed to confirm project has not been cancelled.

Groups: Groups (6 or more) please notify the project supervisor listed, one week in advance.

Court Referred: Some volunteer opportunities accept court referred individuals.

If you are interested in long term volunteer opportunities, fill in the appropriate volunteer application and send it to the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department Volunteer Office via Fax: (619) 525-8224 or email it to [email protected]. You can also contact us via our My Park page; be sure to choose "Volunteer/Internships" as the subject.

*Requires Interview and Fingerprinting before volunteers can be scheduled.
** Limited event dates (event last 1-3 days)

 

 

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What if I want to help in my own community?

The Park and Recreation Department offers various volunteer opportunities at Recreation Centers, Golf Complexes, Swimming Pools, Regional Parks and Open Space Parks and Preserves. Opportunities include: youth sports coach, tour or trail guide, recreation program assistant, office assistant, volunteer park patrol and much more!

Volunteers can also become members of recreation councils throughout the City. These volunteers donate their time to attend monthly meetings where decisions are made concerning area specific needs regarding programs, activities and special events. Call the recreation center nearest to you for more information on becoming a recreation council member.

Are there other volunteer opportunities in the City of San Diego?

Yes. For information about other volunteer opportunities within the City of San Diego, please visit the City of San Diego's Volunteer Page.

What's the minimum age for volunteering?

The minimum age to volunteer is 13. Participants under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent, adult guardian, teacher, or adult group leader.

Are there legal requirements for volunteering?

All volunteers (including minors 13 to 17 years of age) working with minors and people with disabilities are required by state law to be fingerprinted and cleared by the Department of Justice.

Volunteers who are assisting with one day special events/projects maybe exempt from this requirement.

How do I get more information?

Call the Volunteer Coordinator at (619) 533-4017

Ask Parks