Calling all community members who enjoy being around canine companions and are looking for ways to give back, get involved, and help the City of San Luis Obispo and partners keep the Laguna Lake Dog Park a safe, healthy, and inviting space for all. Learn more about this paw-sitively rewarding volunteer role below and refer the Volunteer Position Description and Guide for Volunteers before hitting RESPOND. Please reach out to the City of SLO's Volunteer Program with any questions ([email protected]; call or text 805-858-0771) or for support.
Who:
Come one dog lover, come all! Community members who sign up for this volunteer role should be comfortable around dogs of all sizes and various temperaments and have a basic understanding of canine body language to operate safely and with awareness on volunteer shifts. This volunteer opportunity is eligible for community service and is great for individuals and groups.
Please note:
o Those 8-11 may serve with a legal guardian in the small dog park only.
o Those 12-15 may serve in the large - or small - dog park with a legal guardian.
o 16 -17-year-olds may serve independently with a parent or legal guardian’s pre-communicated consent.
o For volunteer groups, a Volunteer Waiver must be submitted for each participant prior to volunteering. It is the responsibility and inherent assumed liability for the group to determine their adult:minor ratio policy.
What:
This volunteer program equips volunteers with the knowledge, supplies, and resources they need to support staff’s efforts to maintain safe, clean, and enjoyable park experiences for all visitors - canines and their companions. Standard tasks include:
1) Park cleanup
Tasks include: monitoring trash and notifying City (via Ask SLO tool) if maintenance is needed, refilling Mutt Mitts, removing fecal matter in the park, raking woodchips and evening gravel, clearing walkways, placing unused toys in appropriate storage areas.
2) Maintenance
Wiping down agility equipment and surfaces (e.g., picnic tables, hydration stations, gates, and signage), repairs and projects as needed and coordinated by City staff (e.g., painting, fencing, landscaping care/installation), removing weeds, reporting vandalism and/or facility needs to the City (via Ask SLO tool).
3) Event support
As directed or approved by the City, volunteers might be invited to assist at community events; details forthcoming to active volunteers.
When:
Volunteers commit to a regular schedule, so long as it’s during daylight hours from dawn to dusk, totaling one hour/month. Volunteers are not to serve at night or in unsafe conditions (e.g., storms, extreme heat, high winds, etc.). Shifts are flexible and scheduling is coordinated through the City's Volunteer Program. Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular day and timeframe like Mondays from 7:30 to 8:30 AM or Saturdays from 4 to 5 PM.
Where:
Volunteers commit to serve at the Laguna Lake Dog Park, 504 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Additional Details & *Service Requirements:
- Safety first! Please do not touch hazardous materials or expose yourself to compromised situations that may impact your health or safety. Refer to the Volunteer Guide, Position Description, and orientation materials to have a fun and informed volunteer experience.
- All volunteers are provided and required to wear a safety vest and ID while serving.
- After three consecutive shifts, volunteers are given a t-shirt and asked to wear while serving.
- Once confirmed, volunteers will be provided an orientation to the park by the Volunteer Coordinator or a Volunteer Leader.
- Volunteers or Volunteer Team Leaders are expected to log service hours on Engage SLO after each shift. If you’re volunteering with others, please help remind those in your group.
- All volunteers, whether as an individual or as a part of a team, must register on the City of San Luis Obispo’s volunteer portal, Engage SLO, and commit to serving at least 1 hour per month for a 3-month-minimum timespan, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Volunteer Program.
- Please refer to the Volunteer Position Description and Guide for Volunteers for additional information and expectations for which volunteers will be responsible for understanding and adhering.
Celebrate your efforts! Send the Volunteer Program pictures and reports, use social media, tagging the City of San Luis Obispo and Parks and Recreation Department, and use the hashtag #KeepSLOClean
We can’t wait to see you at the park and thank you for your interest in volunteering!
