Support Minneapolis parks by volunteering your time or making a donation.
Volunteer
Volunteer
Each year, volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to MPRB programs. Volunteers are vital to our parks and community. They assist with recreation and special event programming, keep our parks litter free, and tend our gardens and natural areas.
Learn more:
- Explore volunteer opportunities below
- Review the Volunteer Handbook [PDF]
- Fill out a volunteer application for the opportunity in which you’re interested
MPRB is exploring current practices and potential modifications to its volunteer program. Setting a common vision for volunteerism within the park and recreation system is fundamental to this work. It will help establish an understanding of the resources needed to engage and support volunteers. To learn more and participate check out the Volunteerism Visioning Project.
Downtown Parks Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to assist with programming support, events and gardening in our Downtown Parks.
Recreation Volunteers
Coach youth sports or serve as instructors for classes offered in neighborhood parks.
Youth Mentor (Parkside Pathways)
Connect with youth ages 10-14 as a positive adult role model to support and encourage shared opportunities for learning and growth.
Garden and Natural Area Volunteers
Support the health and beauty of our parks through one-time or long-term service.
Bike Trail Volunteers
Wednesday night work sessions at the Theo Single Track are hosted by Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC).
Special Event Volunteers
Community events such as Earth Day and Arbor Day events, fun runs, and neighborhood festivals and holiday parties.
Contact
Email a Volunteer Coordinator:
Advisory Board Commission Appointments
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners appoints community members to five ongoing advisory board commission appointments within Minneapolis. Members of these committees advise park Board Commissioners and other agencies on a wide variety of subjects by making recommendation on important policy matters. For more information about the committees and to apply, please visit the Advisory Board Commission Appointments page
Give
The Scholarship FUNd
Help support Minneapolis parks, trails, gardens and programs with an individual donation or an endowment. Make a tax-deductible donation to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Scholarship FUNd!! Any sized gift can make a FUNdamental difference for Minneapolis families in need:
- $50 sponsors a basketball player
- $30 sponsors a yogi
- $10 sponsors an artist
Make your gift recurring and continue the FUN!
Note: MPRB’s online system requires that an account be created to donate. The information gathered will not be shared or used for any other purpose.
Memorials and Tributes
Our Memorials & Tributes program provides a way to honor and remember people and note-worthy events with a dedicated tree or bench in Minneapolis Parks.
If you have questions about your existing memorial/tribute bench or tree, call 612-499-3003 or email tributes@minneapolisparks.org.
Minneapolis Parks Foundation
The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is the primary philanthropic partner to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. We are an independent 501c3 nonprofit supporting the entire Minneapolis Park System with a mission to transform human lives through parks and public spaces by aligning community vision and philanthropic support. Since 2003, our donors have contributed nearly $50 million for parks and programming, including fundraising efforts for Water Works at Mill Ruins Park, 26th Avenue North Overlook and North Commons Park. Learn more at MplsParksFoundation.org
North Commons Park
In 2024, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to raise $23.5 million to help transform North Commons Park. Learn more about this work and join the campaign today, at NorthCommons.org.
People for Parks Fund
In 2020, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation created the People for Parks Fund through a consolidation with People for Parks. Since its start five years ago, the People for Parks Fund has delivered over $250,000 worth of grant support for community-driven ideas for improving parks access, breaking down barriers, and making sure everyone sees themselves reflected in our parks system.
Ways to Give
Your gift, no matter how big or small, makes a positive impact within the Minneapolis park system. Thank you!
- Make a donation to our general operating fund
- Explore more ways to give, including special projects, or major or multiyear gifts
Volunteer Weeding Flowerbed at Lyndale Garden
Volunteers from Target Planting a Tree on Arbor Day
Tornado Recovery Volunteers Stacking Water Bottles
Volunteers from Target Posing in Front of Rosegarden
Volunteer Football Coach High Fiving a Player
Volunteers Serving Food to Bicyclist
Student Earth Day Volunteers
Volunteers Tending Roses at Lyndale Garden
Volunteer Football Coach Talking with Group of Players
Volunteer Flag Football Coach Talking with Young Player
Volunteer Tending Rosebushes at Lyndale Garden
Lyndale Garden Volunteers
Volunteers from Best Buy Doing Parks Cleanup
Volunteers from Cargill Planting a Tree on Arbor Day
Minnesota Twins Volunteers Tending to a Baseball Diamond
Park Board Announcements
There are no announcements at this time. Please check back soon.