TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Roseann Otis, Office Assistant II - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
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Adopt-A-Trail Program
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RECOMMENDATION
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Discuss Adopt-A-Trail Program and Provide Recommendations and/or Direction on any Changes to Rules and Procedures as well as the Ancillary Documents.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
The Adopt-A-Trail program allows individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to contribute towards the effort of maintaining beautiful and clean City-owned trails in Murrieta by assisting with minor weed abatement, litter removal, and maintenance concern reporting. The Adopt-A-Trial program can also be used towards community service hours that are needed for high school students to graduate.
Volunteers make a commitment to pick up litter and perform minor weed abatement on the designated trail at least once every three months for a one-year period. Volunteers are encouraged to monitor conditions on their section of the trail and report any problems to City staff members for follow up. There is no cost to participants associated with the program.
Murrieta, as well as most other government agencies that have such a program, provide the volunteer group with identification signage that advertises who they are, trash bags, certain litter removal equipment, and safety vests. Equipment or clean up items for which the volunteer group is responsible for includes such things as sunscreen, hats, gloves, and protective clothing.
The feedback that staff has received to date regarding this program is that it instills pride in maintaining and/or beautifying an area that provides enjoyment for current and future generations. It also is a great way to promote a business.
Some questions to consider:
1. What update or revisions to the language are needed?
a. Should the volunteer group be responsible for replacing their sign if it is vandalized?
b. Rather than “at least once every three months,” should the volunteer group look after their section of trail more often?
2. How should the City recognize the volunteer group upon their service completion?
a. Provide the volunteer group with their sign?
b. Social media acknowledgement such as on NextDoor, Facebook, and/or Instagram?
c. Proclamation signed by the Mayor?
3. Should the City provide the volunteer group with additional items to use for cleanup maintenance?
FISCAL IMPACT
Minor costs associated with the installation of sign identification, trash bags, and safety vests, which depends on how many trails are adopted in a given fiscal year.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Program Description
2. Program Volunteer Application (application, volunteer waiver and sign request form)
3. Program Rules and Procedures
4. Program Safety Requirements
5. Program Activity Reporting Form
6. City Trails Map