Long-Term Opportunities

Involves ongoing participation throughout the year.


Adopt A Storm Drain

    You may have a storm drain in your yard. There may even be several in your neighborhood. Residents and business can now ADOPT A STORM DRAIN in your area. Simply keep the drains clear of leaves, trash and other debris that limit the flow of rainwater.
    This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for adults and families of all ages. Physical requirements are minimal. There is no major equipment required to participate. Gloves, a broom, a rake, and trash bags are all that’s needed. 
 
 

  Adopt-A-Street

    Would you like to help to keep Oakland Park beautiful? The Adopt-a-Street program empowers volunteer groups to keep their neighborhoods litter-free, one street at a time.     We currently have over 15 groups of friends, residents, civic organizations or neighborhood associations who have adopted a street around the city or near their homes.  Benefits include increased property values, reduce litter-removal costs, fosters neighborhood pride, and frees up maintenance crews to perform other tasks in emergency events.
    The commitment is simple. Your team leader will arrange an agreement to adopt a street for a 2-year period. Your team is required to perform 6 cleanups per year, traditionally alternating months. You could select from a list of identified City streets, or suggest a minimum of ½ mile street of your choice for approval in the program.
    We provide your crew with bags, reacher/grabbers, reflective vests, street signs and gloves.  Your group or organization’s name will be placed on signs on both ends of your adopted street section to recognize your civic and volunteer contribution.



ATHLETICS AND COACHING

    The City of Oakland Park offers a wide variety of athletic programs aimed at giving our youth opportunities to grow physically, emotionally, athletically and socially through sports. By lending your talent and experience, YOU can make a difference in the development of a child. Through encouragement, patience, basic knowledge and support, your coaching will not only help a child develop skills and love of sport, but provide tools that will carry on through his or her life.
    “It’s not always about how good you are or how much time you spend, it’s about being there.” While coaching or assisting with a team, you will have the opportunity to teach and learn at the same time. We also offer discounts for your children in our athletic programs should you become involved in coaching. And if you’re at the field, please consider helping at our concession stands.



DOG BARK PARK

    The City’s Bark Park is located across from Easterlin Park at 971 NW 38th Street. Intended to provide a fun and safe environment for our furry friends and those who love them, this park serves as a meeting place for residents while promoting socialization and exercise. The individual large and small dog sections of the park provide unique features and ensure a more stress-free experience for visitors.
    We are looking for individuals to provide some basic park maintenance tasks in their spare time. You don’t need a dog to help! Your time commitment may involve a brief one to two-hour period during the day when your schedule allows. Tasks include blowing pebbles from pathways, restocking bags, emptying trash receptacles, and hosing down pools, water bowls and structures. We’ll provide the leaf blower and any supplies you will need. This volunteer opportunity is suitable for ages 15 and over. 
 
 

FERAL FRIENDS PROGRAM

    The City of Oakland Park has embarked on a program to address concerns about feral cats using the “TNR” approach. TNR (trap, neuter, return) has proven to be the only effective method for stabilizing and reducing the number of cats in feral cat colonies over time, in some situations all the way down to zero. TNR is also the only humane method to accomplish this. The City is proud to partner with local animal shelters and hospitals and respect all life by embracing this approach.
    We have numerous volunteers who coordinate and share all aspects of this intricate process including identifying colonies, feeding, trapping/releasing, transporting, temporary housing and adoption. The task is ongoing, but the goal remains to humanely address the reduction, as well as the health and safety, of feral cats in our neighborhoods. We could ALWAYS use more help. Volunteers will need their own transportation.  If you are a lover of animals, please contact us to learn how you can become involved.



GRAFFITI PATROL

    Join fellow volunteers who have formed a “rapid response” team to eliminate unwanted graffiti and stickers all over the city.
    The GRAFFITI PATROL is a community beautification project combining the efforts of the Volunteer Corps, multiple city departments and local partners. This program is designed to address and eliminate the many forms of graffiti, nuisance stickers, and illegal yard signs that can detract from the overall beauty of the City of Oakland Park within 48 hours of reporting.
    Graffiti and stickers on our light poles, sidewalks, curbs, bus stops, walls, fences and buildings cause blight and are not representative of the fine city Oakland Park truly is.
Volunteers are provided with a kit of most commonly required spray paint colors, along with spray removal products, scrapers and gloves. Also included are tools to share with residents and businesses to engage them in the process as needed.
    This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for licensed drivers with a vehicle. The time requirement is low and flexible. You can photograph, repair and report incidents during the course of your day when found, or respond to a specific request as time allows.

PARK INSPECTORS 

     Volunteer Park Inspectors help the City by bringing fresh eyes and perspective to our wide array of playgrounds, athletic facilities, picnic pavilions, walking trails and nature areas.  Park Inspectors will periodically complete written assessments and photograph areas of concern.  With volunteer help, we ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors.  Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and provide their own transportation to the park.  Inspectors may be able to select a park near their home that they currently enjoy.



PHONE BUDDIES 

      Our senior population, at times, can experience vulnerability, isolation and loneliness, especially in times of natural disaster or emergencies.  Our Phone Buddy volunteers reach out to our residents to ensure they have someone to talk with when needed, be a resource with updated emergency information, and a liaison with our Fire Rescue team when preparing for potential disasters.  Volunteers will need a kind heart, patience and a willingness to keep in touch with their buddy on a schedule agreeable to both the resident and volunteer.  Call now to see if there's a "buddy" for you.

Short-Term Opportunities

Requires shorter-term or interim term participation

COVID VACCINATION POINT OF DISTRIBUTION (POD) 
 
      This vaccination center here in Oakland Park is designed to provide for our residents.  Volunteers are needed in our PODs to welcome and check in residents that are scheduled for vaccinations that day.  You will need a pleasant disposition and some patience, but overall the process is a very smooth and pleasant one.  All safety and health protocol are strictly practiced.  We ask that volunteers be able to help 2-3 days per week on a regular schedule.  Shifts are currently 9:30am to 2:00pm, but this may change with vaccine availability.  Full training is provided.  This event is suitable for volunteers 18 years of age or older.  The majority of time may be spent standing or moving through the entry process.  There is no lifting requirement.  Please contact us for more information or to sign up.



FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS  

      The Cities of Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors have joined forces to operate a food distribution for families in need located at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale.  Events are generally scheduled each Thursday from 9am until food runs out.  Volunteers are needed beginning at 7:00am until 10:00am, or a little thereafter depending on attendance.  Volunteers will be assisting with bagging bulk veggies, fruits, etc., traffic control, loading vehicles, breaking down boxes, and wrapping up the event.  We supply snacks (fruit, pastries, snack bars, etc.) and water.  This event is suitable for volunteers 18 years of age or older.  Volunteers 15+ are allowed with parent/guardian supervision.  Masks and gloves are mandatory.  We will provide them if needed.