Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the mission of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation. Whether you’re an individual looking to give back or part of a group seeking a fun and meaningful challenge, there’s a place for you here. Our goal is to provide every volunteer with a rewarding experience that makes a real impact in our parks and community.
We offer a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved.
How to Get Started:
- Fill out a Volunteer Application – Get started by completing our quick and easy online application form.
- Get Connected – Our Volunteer Program Supervisor, Carly Garvelink, will contact you to review your application and help match you with the right opportunity.
- Start Volunteering – Join us in making a difference! Participate in one of our many volunteer opportunities.
- Track your Impact – Log and track your volunteer hours through our online portal.
The Friends nonprofit has disbanded, but Ottawa County Parks proudly maintains the Friends name and logo for its volunteer efforts.
Questions?
For information on these opportunities and more, contact:
Carly Garvelink
cgarvelink@miottawa.org
Adopt-a-Park
Does your organization, company, or school have a local park they love? Become part of our Adopt-a-Park program!
Service-Based Learning
Are you a science teacher looking for a place-based learning experience? Ask us about our service-based learning projects!
Park Stewards
Are you an enthusiastic volunteer looking for a variety of adventerous opportunities? Consider becoming a park steward!
Current Volunteer Job Descriptions
General Park Volunteer
Nature Center Volunteer
Volunteer with Partner Organizations
Honoring the Legacy of the Friends of Ottawa County Parks
After 20 years of service, the Friends of Ottawa County Parks—a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner to the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission—voted to formally disband. While they no longer meet under that name, their legacy lives on. Ottawa County Parks now carries forward their mission, proudly using the Friends name and logo to represent volunteer efforts across the park system.
