Friends of the Park

Friends of the Park is a group who is very passionate about our parks at the Canton Park District and are actively working to improve all of them! The Friends of the Park group is a strong voice for the protection, preservation, expansion, and improvement to the Park Districts 1,403 acres of parks and playgrounds. Members of Friends of the Parks support our neighborhood parks and playground projects, environmental education, advocacy, and volunteer programs throughout the Canton Park District. This group will complete numerous beautification projects and assist in the success of various special events.

Friends of the Park group will add many benefits to our park system, give neighbors an opportunity to meet and interact and create a single unified voice for the park.

If you are interested in joining Friends of the Park – join our Facebook Group, or contact Amanda Atchley (309)-647-7665.

Become a volunteer – Find your path

There’s no better way to get outside and enjoy the parks than by volunteering! Volunteer as an individual or a group…

Group Service Projects

The Canton Park District offers many opportunities for one-day service project volunteers. Your service group project may include planting gardens, equipment upgrades, and other various park improvements. These events not only contribute to making Canton’s Parks the beautiful destinations that they are but also serve as opportunities for team building.

Friends of the Park Workdays

Scheduled workdays will take place in spring and fall. It means getting outside, getting fresh air, and enjoying the camaraderie of others as you beautify flowerbeds, plant trees, prune trees, or clean up a park. We have a lot of work to do, and we need your help.

Workdays will occur rain or shine. Canton Park District staff or board member will be on site at all times for every workday.

Special events

Lend a hand to help Canton Park District staff bring community events to life. Community events like Movies in the Park and Pumpkin Parties, and fundraisers like Green Gala need many hands to make them happen! Sign up as a volunteer to be notified when we need help with check-in, setup, and more.

Important Details

For further information on Canton Park District Volunteer opportunities email Amanda Atchley a.atchley@cantonpark.org

Volunteers should consider bringing water and a snack. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes and bring good work gloves. Your own hand tools are fine and we will also provide some.

It is mandatory that all volunteers have a complete volunteer waiver on file before participating in a project. Volunteer Waiver Form

*All volunteers under the age of 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent and/or guardian. Any volunteer under the age of 18 without a signed waiver will not be able to participate.

Most of Friends’ volunteer opportunities are great for teens and even children to participate in! We do not require a parent or guardian on-site for volunteers 14 years and older; volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.