The KC Parks volunteer program provides fun and rewarding opportunities for individuals and groups to engage in our parks. Service activities range from one-time projects and events to longer-term positions (see detailed descriptions below).
Individuals under the age of 18 must have parent or legal guardian written consent. All volunteers working with children, senior citizens, or people with disabilities are required to undergo a background screening consisting of a sexual offender registry and a criminal history search. The City of Kansas City, Missouri does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Please complete the form below to inquire about volunteering with KC Parks! For more information, contact [email protected].
Currently, we are unable to supervise court-ordered community service.
Ongoing Opportunities
KC Parks Ambassadors(Individuals)
Ambassadors commit to volunteering a minimum of 3-5 hours per month, and in some instances, help lead volunteer groups. To become an Ambassador, volunteers must attend an information session, complete a volunteer application, and attend an Ambassador training session.
Litter cleanups (Individuals or groups)
Neighborhood associations, businesses, community and social organizations are always needed and welcome to help beautify parks.
Gardening and landscaping (Individuals or groups)
Assist with planting flowers, shrubs and trees, pruning shrubs and trees, and mulching on park properties.
Honeysuckle removal (Individuals or groups)
Help clear invasive brush such as honeysuckle on group workdays, or learn to become a team leader. Partners in Parks are neighborhood organizations, community groups and businesses that work in partnership with the Kansas City, Mo. Parks and Recreation Department to help beautify and maintain our parks and boulevards. Partners supplement (but do not replace) the department’s routine maintenance and beautification activities, helping to ensure that our parks and boulevards remain clean, safe, and environmentally sound.
Friends of Lakeside Nature Center (Individuals or groups)
The Friends of Lakeside Nature Center rehabilitate wildlife brought to the center, provide educational programs to school groups and others and help with special events. Those interested can contact our partners at Lakeside Nature Center at [email protected].
Kansas City Northern Railroad at Line Creek
The Kansas City Northern Railroad operates three miniature 16-inch gauge passenger trains on a 5/8th mile track in Line Creek Park. The trains run weekends and holidays May through September. Volunteers are needed year-round as engineers, conductors, ticket agents, mechanics, and track workers. No experience is required. Training is provided for all positions. The club meets every Wednesday evening at the Line Creek Park train building for work sessions. For more information, contact 816-746-5663 or visit the website.
Weekly Cleanups
Make a Difference Mondays: Paseo Blvd. Litter Cleanup
Mondays, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
57th and Paseo (Park on street nearby and meet in median)
Registration is required. This effort is led by KC Parks Ambassador Aaron DeWitt.
Camp Lake of the Woods Entrance/Oldham Road Litter Cleanup
Sundays, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Meet at the Parking Lot/Entrance to Camp Lake of the Woods
(Intersection of Oakwood Dr. and Oldham Road)
Registration is required. This effort is led by KC Parks Ambassador Julia Daily.
Indian Mound Overlook/ Kessler Park Weekly Cleanup
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.
Indian Mound, Gladstone Blvd and Belmont
Meet at the Overlook (Gladstone Blvd and Belmont).
Registration is required. This effort is led by KC Parks Ambassador Christopher Lowrance.
