Five Rivers MetroParks began the Heart Healthy Trails initiative and designated several trails to help get people started. All members of the family, young and old, can find a trail that suits their needs, but some individuals like to start new behavior changes with some support. Our Outdoor Recreation team creates the learning environment to help individuals enjoy the outdoors in a fun and safe activities. Volunteers will support the staff lead and participants as they enjoy nature, increase their activity, and discover new trails and ways to improve physical and mental health in MetroParks. This opportunity will be at Island MetroPark, which has a half-mile paved loop, and volunteers and participants will be completing 3 loops around the perimeter of the park to total 1.5 miles.
Impact
Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.
Program Description: Individuals looking for a fun way to get in shape, take their workout outdoors, and want a guided first experience. Exercising outdoors provides benefits the traditional gym workout does not — and just 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a few times a week will improve your heart health. Trails will be easy to moderate, 1 to 2.5 miles long, and walkable at a brisk pace. Learn more about each trail, or visit before you respond to each location opportunity.
Tasks
- Greet and welcome participants
- Assist with check-in
- Assist staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique group hike.
- Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed.
- Assist participants to stay with the group by hiking with them, observing any changes in participants, and keeping the staff lead aware of any participants having difficulty.
- Share Park highlights, nature tidbits, and information staff shares to participants farther back on the hike.
- Assist staff lead in ensuring all participants feel they are part of the program
- Assist with clean-up and equipment tear down after program if needed.
Your shift time begins 15 minutes before the program starts for quick review, last-minute prep, and to introduce you to this new program.
Additional Notes
- This is a Long-Term Volunteer Opportunity. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Great opportunity to build your personal skills!
- Volunteers should be able to hike the distance of the trails.
- COVID UPDATES: Please review Five Rivers MetroParks latest COVID-19 Updates.
- Five Rivers MetroParks Outdoor Recreation programs are supported by Subaru.
See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
