Adopt-A Programs
Statement
of Committment
The Town of Normal Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Street program is a partnership between the Town of Normal and volunteers, in an effort to keep our community clean, safe and attractive. By working together we can continue to provide a beautiful environment in which to live and raise a family. The program also educates and encourages people to stop littering and take pride in their community.
Who can participate?
Any group willing to make the commitment can adopt a park, street or segment of the Constitution Trail. Volunteers from civic organizations, social clubs, neighborhood associations, individual families, churches, college student organizations, school groups or employee groups are welcome to participate.
What is expected of participants?
Volunteers are expected to adopt a park, city street or segment of the trail for two years. The group should pick up litter in their adopted area at least once a month, with particular emphasis on holiday weekends and summer months.
Volunteers are also expected to follow safety rules given to them by the program coordinator. They must provide adult supervision to groups of children under the age of 18. They should wear appropriate clothing, provide their own drinking water and first aid kit. They should also alert the program coordinator if they find a safety hazard in their area.
Groups should appoint a liaison that will work with the program coordinator. The liaisons send a report stating when and where the group cleaned, who participated, their phone numbers, and any concerns that needs the towns attention. Adopt-a-Park Clean Up Report Form [PDF]
The liaison shall make arrangements with the program coordinator prior to the cleaning date if trash bags will need to be picked up by the Town staff.
What areas can be Adopted?
Volunteers can adopt a park, a street, a portion of a street or a segment of the Constitution Trail. Groups should select their top three choices and the program coordinator will then assign areas based on availability.
How is cleanup conducted?
It is up to the adopting group to organize themselves. During regular business hours, you may obtain trash bags and reflective vests from the Town at the Parks and Recreation Annex, 611 S. Linden. A volunteer liaison will then need to call the program coordinator at 454-9545 to make arrangements to have the trash bags picked up if necessary.
The Town agrees to:
- furnish supplies such as trash bags and reflective vests, at the request of the adopter;
- Provide trash pick-up if necessary;
- Furnish and install Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Street signs with the Adopter's name on each sign, after the Adopter has successfully participated for six months;
- Provide safety rules for participants to follow;
- Furnish certificates of recognition to Adopter.
The Adopter agrees to:
- Remove litter in their designated area at least once a
month (weather providing) for two years;
- Designate a liaison to work with the program coordinator
who will:
- review the safety rules with all participants;
- assure that all participants are responsible individuals and that participating minors under the age of 18 have adult supervision;
- have all the participants sign in for each clean up;
- send in a
report [PDF] after a clean up has occurred.
- Make the Town aware of any items of concern;
- Use caution or avoid contact with items that have the
potential to be hazardous or cause injury;
- Generally maintain the above stated area in a manner
that improves the beauty and overall appearance of the Town.
- In exchange for the public good will generated through
participation in the Town of Normal
Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Street program, we voluntarily waive
any and all claims for injuries or damages suffered by us
arising out of participation in the program and covenant not
to sue the Town of Normal, its officers, agents or
employees.
- Safety Rules for Adopt-A-Park/Street Volunteers
- No volunteers shall be under the age of 10 for the adopt-a-street program.
- One adult must accompany every eight workers under the age of 18.
- Pets will not be allowed to accompany workers for the adopt-a-street program.
- Inappropriate behavior during the pickup may be cause for termination of contract.
- Work must be done during daylight hours.
- For the protection of all workers, appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Loose fitting clothes that cover the legs are recommended. Gloves and hard soled shoes are required - no open toe shoes or barefeet.
- Safety vests must be worn when working.
- An adequate supply of drinking water and a first aid kit must be provided by the volunteers during the pickup operation. A cellular phone is also a good idea to have if possible.
- Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while working is prohibited.
- Volunteers shall inform Town staff if large objects need to be removed or picked up.
- Filled garbage bags shall be left by trash receptacles or at a prearranged point.
- Aluminum cans or other discarded materials may be kept by the volunteers. Valuables such as briefcases, suitcases, or wallets must be turned over to the program coordinator.
- Each group should know the easiest way to get to the hospital from your work area.
- Each group should have immediate transportation available.
In addition, the organization maintains that it complies with the Town of Normal Human Relations Ordinance, Chapter 24 of the Municipal Code, and the organization does not unlawfully discriminate against its members or in delivering its goods, services or programs because of race, color, religion, sex, martial status, national origin or ancestry, disability or matriculation.
How do you sign up?
For more information about this program, contact the program coordinator at (309) 454-9545 or e-mail the program coordinator. An application form and list of available locations will be sent to you. (You can also view/print the Adopt-A-Park/Street Application by clicking here.) After your application has been approved, a Statement of Commitment will be sent to you. Once this is returned, your group will be notified that they have been accepted into the program and sent information on how to get started.