WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

Ways to Volunteer

It’s Your Park Day + Pitch In for the Parks + Green Teams


 

The Chicago Parks Foundation leads the only citywide volunteer effort for our parks!

CPF has a variety of ways for you to get involved in park clean-ups each year. We equip thousands of everyday volunteers with supplies and support to get outside and make an impact.

Over the last decade, CPF has supported a total of 15,400+ volunteers in 2,300+ park cleanups!

Planning Ahead: Our season runs from June through October annually and has concluded for the year, but stay tuned for getting involved in 2026! Learn more about each program below. Registration will open this spring. Contact us at volunteer@chicagoparksfoundation.org in the meantime with inquiries.

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Our Programs

  • 2026 Date TBA
    Participating Parks
    Free & Family-Friendly

    It’s Your Park Day kicks off our volunteer season each June! Our annual community clean-up day includes trash pick-up, tree mulching, and park enhancement projects. Complimentary supplies and support are provided to the hosting groups.

  • JUNE - OCTOBER ANNUALLY
    Parks Citywide
    Free & Family-Friendly

    The CPF provides complimentary clean-up supplies for small groups to independently host clean-ups at the park, date, and time of your choice.

    Any organization, team, or community group can host for free, and all volunteers are welcome. We deliver the supplies right to you. Volunteer groups are encouraged to host recurring clean-ups throughout the season.

  • JUNE - OCTOBER ANNUALLY
    Select Parks in Need
    Donation Requested

    Green Teams park clean-up events provide a unique opportunity for your employees to get outside, gather safely, and give back together!

    The CPF’s corporate clean-up program connects our team with yours for a personalized two-hour clean-up experience at a park in need.

    CPF staff meet you on-site with all supplies in hand to lead you through a trash pick-up. We respectfully request a ten person minimum and a donation to support park programs.


2025 Season Highlights

2,700 total volunteers

236 total clean-up events

95 total parks visited across the city

150 partner organizations

6th Season of Pitch In for the Parks

10th Annual It’s Your Park Day

26 Green Teams clean-up events

$41,000 contributed by Green Teams


“This experience made me feel a great sense of community. I saw a diverse group of people come together to make the park better for everyone and it warmed my heart. As a bonus, I learned about the natural area and the other programs offered at my local park!”

- Jake, Pitch In 2025 @ River Park w/ River Park Steward Volunteers & River PAC

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