Help Beautify RiverScape Ahead of a Global Visit!
In late May, Dayton will welcome delegates from across the globe as part of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly – and RiverScape MetroPark is proud to be in the spotlight during their visit. As one of the featured destinations within the official tour, RiverScape will serve as a scenic and symbolic introduction to our region. We’re inviting volunteers to be a part of something special: preparing the park’s gardens and landscape beds to look their best for this international moment. This hands-on opportunity includes planting vibrant annuals in landscape beds and planters throughout RiverScape. Volunteers will help us lift, bend, kneel, and dig to get hundreds of flowers into the ground and help Dayton shine.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just love to lend a hand outdoors, this is your chance to be part of a high-profile project with global significance. Let’s show our international visitors the beauty of Dayton—and the power of community pride.
Impact
Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:
- helping to plant annuals in landscape beds and planters at RiverScape MetroPark in preparation for the upcoming NATO Parliamentary Assembly visit.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, and/or Groups. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot off Water Street, in the Upper Parking Lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) - See the image below for reference. You may also park along E. Monument or S. Patterson and meet the staff at Riverscape Bike Hub (237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402). Participants must walk from the parking location to meet at the RiverScape Bike Hub. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Amy Kennedy at (937) 789-1085.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and team-lifting heavy tree grates (50lbs or more).
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
