New Playground Built at Powell Drive Park Thanks to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and Neighbors from West CAC

Over the past year, the department has worked with the Powell Drive community to design and build a new playground. With the help of nearly 50 volunteers from the AKA Sorority Incorporated Alpha Theta Omega Chapter and the park's neighbors, a 2-5 year old and 5-12 year old play structures were recently installed that include slides, swings, a climbing web, and much more.  The playground will be open to the public within the next few days with a reopening ceremony being held on June 23 at 6:30pm. The Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department would like to thank both the Powell Drive community and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for their planning and participating in helping this playground become a reality for all kids to enjoy!

World's Largest Swim Lesson™

On Thursday, June 18, Optimist Pool will be an Official Host Location for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.™ Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the sixth year in a row to set a new Guinness World Record.™

Volunteers will be used as swim instructors and to assist with participant registration. For more information on participating in this once in a lifetime event, visit the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources webpage. 

Raleigh Rose Garden in Full Bloom

The month of May kicked off blooming season at the beautiful Raleigh Rose Garden. Nestled in downtown Raleigh, this hidden gem showcases over 10 species of roses of all different colors throughout 60 beds. Thanks to our Deadheader Volunteer Program, the garden stays maintained throughout the year. The program includes 27 individuals who volunteer on a weekly basis to maintain all of the rose bushes. Without their help, this landmark park in Raleigh would not thrive. A big thank you to all of our deadheaders for their ongoing volunteer service and commitment to the Raleigh Rose Garden.

June V.I.Ps

Blue skies, sunshine, and lots of blooming flowers. This month our Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) stayed busy with several park beautification projects that included mulching, planting spring annuals, deadheading roses, greenway clean-ups, and mulching. We also had several volunteers assist with the Raleigh Rockets Track Programs, Museum Gala Fundraiser, and Letterland at Pullen park. During the month of May, the department had approximately 274 individuals volunteer 633 hours of their time to our city parks, special events, and programs. A big thanks to each of you for contributing your time, talents, and resources to the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department!

Online Volunteer Profile

Stay up-to-date with the Volunteer Program. Create a volunteer profile now!

Group Projects

Interested in coordinating a volunteer project for a group? Businesses, schools, churches and organizations are encouraged to contribute their time, talent and resources to our City Parks! Contact us to set up your personalized group volunteer project.

Volunteer Opportunities

Check out these upcoming opportunities!

Southeastern Masters Track & Field

ICST Swim Meets

Mordecai Garden Volunteer Program

Mordecai Docent Volunteer Program

Adopt-A-Trail

The Adopt-A-Trail program provides a volunteer opportunity for interested individuals, businesses and groups to participate in trail cleanup and to support the Capital Area Greenway System. Click on the map above to find your trail segment now! 

 Volunteer Testimonials

"Volunteering with the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department was a great experience! I look forward to working with you guys again in the future!"

"Thanks for helping Green Park neighbors coordinate a volunteer project this past Saturday. We had a small group but their results left an important message that caring for the park matters! It's a special place."

"Thanks to all at Raleigh Parks for continuing to match our students at Raleigh Charter High School up with meaningful projects across the Triangle."

"The best part about volunteering with the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is the people I have met and the friendships I have made"

"I really enjoyed volunteering at a Raleigh park. All of the staff were extremely organized and helpful. They made the project easy so that all could enjoy. I definitely plan to volunteer in the near future!"

We want to hear from you! Let us know how we can improve your volunteer experience by completing our short Volunteer Survey.

Name that Raleigh Park

Do you know the name of this City of Raleigh Park? Submit your answer

Did you guess right? May's Name that Park was Lake Wheeler! Congratulations to the volunteers who successfully identified the park.