We offer a variety of fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities at sites across the city! Volunteer coaches, teacher aides, and mentors are always needed in our youth programs - and the parks, gardens, and natural areas welcome extra hands.
COVID-19 related information
Learn more about closures and postponements related to the COVID-19 pandemic response.
We miss you, Portland!
Thank you for your volunteer service at Portland Parks & Recreation. While our volunteer efforts are currently on hold, Multnomah County and the City of Portland have organized a coordinated response to COVID-19, and they need the help of trusty volunteers like you. Please review the opportunities below and help where you can. We hope to resume our regular volunteer activities at PP&R soon, but we will only do so when it’s safe for the entire community.
With gratitude,
Steve Pixley, PP&R Volunteer Coordinator
Appeal to Existing County and City Volunteers
Volunteers Needed
As Multnomah County and the City of Portland respond to the COVID-19 emergency together with other agencies and community non-profits, we need the support of our tried and true volunteers like you more than ever before.
We’re currently seeking volunteers to help at the shelters established to provide safe refuge and physical distancing for community members experiencing homelessness. We also need help to support those in quarantine or isolation at established hotels. We hope to have qualified volunteers ready to respond to future needs. Additional roles will be developed in response to community needs and may include transporting goods, conducting wellness checks over the phone, and providing administrative support.
Can you help? Complete an online volunteer interest form or call 503-406-3696 to express interest in volunteering for the emergency response.
You’re excellent at the volunteer role you’re passionate about, so please include details about where you normally volunteer, and special skills, experience, training or certifications you have when filling out the form or speaking with our volunteer coordinators.
Learn more about the Joint Volunteer Information Center (JVIC), and opportunities to help.
Donations Needed
Our health care workers are in need of crucial personal protection equipment (PPE), and other important supplies to safely continue their work and save lives. Can you help? Equipment needs to be unused, in good condition.
Check the COVID-19 Multnomah County donation page or call 503-406-3696 for the most up to date information on how to donate and what items are currently accepted. Needs are changing daily as the situation evolves, so please check back on the same day you would like to deliver your donation to confirm what items we are currently accepting, and where to bring them.
Thank you for your support- it makes a difference!
Read the latest PP&R Volunteer Newsletter
Current issue of the PP&R Volunteer Newsletter
PP&R Volunteer Impact Report
During the 2018 and 2019 fiscal year, dedicated PP&R volunteers contributed 446,502 hours of service. This is a value of $5,701,830 invested back into our parks, community centers, and programs.