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 parks.volunteer@kcmo.org.
Currently, we are unable to supervise court-ordered community service.
Ongoing Opportunities
KC Parks Ambassadors (Individuals)
Ambassadors commit to volunteering a minimum of once a 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.
Partners in Parks
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. Get more information NOW.
Friends of Lakeside Nature Center (Individuals or groups)
More than 175,000 people visit the Nature Center annually, hike the trails or attend one of the educational programs to learn about native Missouri animals, plants and their habitats. It also serves as one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Individuals or groups can assist with Fox Hollow Trail and Garden workdays by contacting us at: contact@lakesidenaturecenter.org
Lakeside Nature Center is one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities and serves as both an educational and recreation resource. More than 175,000 people visit the center annually, hike the trails or attend one of the educational programs to learn about native Missouri animals, plants and their habitats. Individuals or groups can assist with Fox Hollow Trail and Garden workdays by contacting: contact@lakesidenaturecenter.org. The Friends of Lakeside Nature Center (FOLNC) support the Nature Center with wildlife rehabilitation, events, educational programming, native garden and habitat creation/maintenance and much more. For more information or to become a member of FOLNC please visit the website.
Kansas City Northern Railroad at Line Creek
Affordable fun for families at Line Creek Park – miniature train rides! Join the team and have fun yourself.
Station Agent sells tickets and merchandise. Greeter gives safety and “how to have fun” instructions. Three positions rotate every hour: Brakeman gets all on board, Engineer runs the train, Conductor is the boss. Great training provided. Open weekends May through October. 2026 Volunteer Open Houses March 7 and 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; March 8 and 15, 1-3 p.m. For more information, email kcnrailroad@gmail.com or visit the website.
Community Cleanups
Brush Creek Greenway Monthly Cleanup hosted by KC Parks Ambassadors
Third Saturday of the month, 9 – 11 a.m.
Meet at Mary Williams-Neal Community Center
Registration is required. This monthly cleanup is led by Ambassador Maria Landoni from 10 a.m. – Noon the third Saturday of each month. Volunteers will meet at the community center and work in teams along the trail/greenway.
Swope Pkwy Monthly Community Cleanup hosted by Kansas City Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Monthly, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Swope Interpretive Center, 6601 Swope Parkway
Registration is required. Thanks to our partners at Kansas City Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for leading this community cleanup. Focus areas include Swope Pkwy from 55th to 66th Street. With enough volunteers, we will also pick up litter in the park and along Meyer Blvd
Make a Difference Mondays: Paseo Blvd. Litter Cleanup
Mondays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
57th and Paseo (Park on street nearby and meet in median)
Registration is required. This effort is co-led by KC Parks Ambassadors Alice White, Barbara French, Jan Fakoury, Peg Ekerdt and Vicki Johnson.
Penn Valley Park Monthly Cleanup hosted by KC Parks Ambassadors
Second Sunday of the month, 10 a.m. – Noon
Skatepark in Penn Valley Park
Registration is required. This monthly cleanup is led by Ambassadors Kade C. and Karolyn D. from 10 a.m.-noon the second Sunday of each month. Volunteers will meet at the skate park and then work in pairs/teams throughout the park.
