Dane County Parks Thanks Volunteers and Partners Following Volunteer Week
April 16, 2019
Darren Marsh, Dane County Parks
(608) 224-3766,
Dane County Parks Thanks Volunteers and Partners Following Volunteer Week
Dane County Parks’ 19 friends groups and partner organizations had over 3,000 volunteers and contributed more than 65,400 hours of service in 2018
MADISON, WI–April 16, 2019 - In 2018, Dane County Parks welcomed over 3 million visitors into its park system. These individuals were able to enjoy scenic hiking trails, award-winning disc golf courses, family-friendly picnic areas, unique off-leash dog parks, cold water trout streams, and a vast network of bike trails thanks in large part to the help and support of volunteers that help keep the Dane County park system beautiful.
“Dane County has a tremendous group of volunteers supporting our park system who help make it one of the best in the country,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “A huge thank you goes out to those who have dedicated their time and energy to preserve our outdoors and natural resources.”
Individual volunteers and nineteen friends groups adopted specific parks, helped advocate for park properties, fundraise, provide maintenance, and host a variety of public events. The dedication of these groups and individuals is what brings Dane County parks to life. In 2018 alone, Park Friends Groups hosted more than 100 events, including Earth Day activities, butterfly workshops, gardening days, firefly walks, festivals, concerts, and other educational or recreational activities.
“Dane County has dedicated park staff maintaining and developing our parks facilities and natural resource areas, but they can’t do it all. We would not have the park system we have today without the support of our outstanding Friends Groups and volunteers,” said Parks Chair Bill Lunney. “Volunteers are also the foundation of the county’s long standing land restoration program, removing invasive species, assisting with burns and reestablishing our prairie and oak savannah landscape.”
“Volunteers bring valuable knowledge and a diversity of skills that help improve our parks. Sometimes they have expertise that they don’t initially realize can be used within the park system,” said Volunteer Coordinator Rhea Stangel-Maier. “Depending on their interest and skills, volunteers might lead nature activities, help with maintenance and tool repair, plan park landscaping, help a Friends Group with fundraising or social marketing.”
In addition to contributing skills, volunteering gives individuals the opportunity to meet new friends with similar passions, share their passions with the public, get outside and exercise, and also form or strengthen their connection to a park they love. To learn more about volunteer opportunities within Dane County Parks, visit: www.danecountyparks.com/volunteer. To see more examples of the impact volunteers have in our parks, follow the Dane County Parks Facebook page.
About Dane County Parks
Dane County Parks offers a variety of recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast and natural environments for quiet getaways or special events. Dane County Parks takes an active role to enhance and preserve the county’s finest natural resources.
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