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?

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

The City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department has unique opportunities for volunteer groups. Whether you are a business, nonprofit, or community organization, we can work together to create an memorable opportunity for your group and the community. 

Ready to volunteer? Submit a Volunteer Group Application and a member of the Volunteer Office will assist with coordinating your event.

Email the Parks and Recreation Volunteer Office at SDVolunteer@sandiego.gov and let us know how you want to impact your community. 

Interested in volunteering with the City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department? There are many volunteer opportunities that may fit your interests or unique skills. Below are volunteer opportunities currently available:

Community Center Volunteer Opportunities:

• Central San Diego Community
• Clairemont Mesa Community
• Coastal Community
• Downtown Community
• East San Diego Community
• Mission Bay Community
• North San Diego Community
• South Bay Community
• South Central Community
• Southeast San Diego Community

Park Ranger District Volunteer Opportunities:

• Balboa Park
• Chollas Lake
• Mission Bay Park
• Mission Trails Regional Park
• North City Park Ranger District
• Open Space Canyons
• Otay Valley Regional Park
• Presidio Park
• San Diego River Park
• Shoreline Parks
• Tecolote Nature Center and Tri-Canyon

Specialized Volunteer Opportunities:

• AgeWell Services
• Aquatics
• Golf Operations
• Therapeutic Recreation Services

Not finding what you're looking for? Register through the link below, and let us know what roles interest you.

Volunteer Page

Need to complete court ordered community service? Complete an application to schedule your hours.

Court Ordered Community Service Page

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 Community Recreation Groups 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 Community Recreation Group 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?

Email the Parks and Recreation Volunteer Office at SDVolunteer@sandiego.gov