Bettendorf seeks park ambassadors
Bettendorf is looking for people willing to help others enjoy parks in the city.
The city’s Parks & Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for its Park Ambassadors Volunteer Program.
“The Park Ambassadors are a group of volunteers who are passionate about our city’s parks and commit to helping keep them safe and clean,” said Meredith Fabrizius, Recreation Coordinator. “They volunteer their time to monitor parks in the evenings, which is an added resource to the Parks & Recreation Department and the Bettendorf Police Department.”
The Park Ambassadors Volunteer Program was created over 20 years ago and since then, there have been 100+ Park Ambassadors who have volunteered over 10,000 hours of their time. The Park Ambassadors won the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association’s “Best Volunteer Group” Award in 2023. Ambassadors give directions and provide information on park activities, watch for vandalism, offer help to park patrons, encourage visitors to follow established park rules and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Bettendorf Police Department and Parks Maintenance Division.
Ambassadors are usually sent out in pairs and typically volunteer two or three nights a month between 6 -11 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day Weekend. Volunteers receive a hat and shirt so they can be easily identified by visitors and use a city vehicle for use to patrol the parks.
Park Ambassadors must be over 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. High school students ages 16+ who are looking to earn service hours can volunteer with a parent or guardian. All volunteers must pass a criminal background check but are not required to live in Bettendorf.
Click here to apply or pick up a hard copy of the application at the Bettendorf Community Center, 2204 Grant Street.
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