At a City of Coos Bay Parks Commission work session Oct. 2, commissioners reviewed the status of the Adopt a Park pilot program and agreed by consensus to proceed with outreach at two volunteer events in October while seeking additional volunteers to sustain park projects through 2025.

The commission received the final fact-finding report prepared for the pilot program and heard that the program — first discussed in May 2023 and later extended to run through 2025 — has produced several on-the-ground improvements but still depends on volunteer capacity to continue. Staff identified two immediate opportunities for outreach: a Volunteer Fair at the North Bend Public Library on Oct. 18, 1–4 p.m., and a Downtown Coos Bay Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 31, 3–5 p.m., at the Mingus Park Community Hall Building.

Commissioners said the pilot has produced tangible results — compostable dog-waste bags citywide, maintenance work at Mingus Park Community Building and other small projects — but emphasized the importance of a clear volunteer management system so community volunteers do not burn out. The commission noted that the pilot originally identified three projects (Mingus Park, Empire and Eastside) but the cabin project at Mingus consumed substantial volunteer time and attention, leaving other locations less active.

Commissioners encouraged recruiting volunteers at the North Bend fair and asked that commissioners and community partners split shifts at the booth. The commission indicated support for Adopt a Park to continue “similar activities” and to staff a booth at the Oct. 18 fair, provided volunteers can be identified; discussion focused on who would staff the events, not on adopting new policy.

Commissioners and presenters also discussed partnerships that have helped the pilot — local scouting organizations, South Coast Shopper, OBAB and a group called the Soulmates — and identified neighborhood groups such as Eastside’s neighborhood watch as possible volunteer sources for parks on the city’s east side. The commission asked staff to share the volunteer application process with commissioners so they can recruit effectively.

No formal motion or vote was taken; the meeting record shows a consensus to continue Adopt a Park outreach and activities and to identify volunteers for the two October events.

The commission will revisit volunteer capacity and program rollout at future meetings, and suggested tracking attendance or expected attendance at events to support outreach and grant conversations.