Port Washington board approves Adopt‑a‑Garden volunteer program

The Park and Recreation Board of the City of Port Washington approved an Adopt‑a‑Garden volunteer program after staff said the city attorney and the municipal insurer reviewed the plan and identified limited liability so long as volunteer duties are limited and training and waivers are used.

Director John presented the program, telling the board it will focus on basic cleanup and weeding rather than hazardous work. "We're not talking about people getting chainsaws or anything like that," John said, and added a waiver will be required to clarify expectations and risks.

Board members asked for measurable expectations for the first year; one member suggested a modest target and John said he would like to see about 12 volunteer groups participate across the city's 32 parks. John said staffing and scheduling would share oversight responsibilities and that the Friends of Port Washington Parks & Rec could help with outreach but would not be required to lead promotions.

A motion "to approve the Adopt‑a‑Garden program as presented by the director" was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board asked staff to report back on enrollment and early outcomes, with a likely check‑in at the February meeting to confirm summer plans.

The program includes: limited volunteer duties (weeding, light cleanup), required training and a signed waiver; staff will circulate promotional material in the new year and coordinate with the Friends group for additional outreach. The board did not approve any change to park fee structures or insurance policies during the motion.

The next procedural step is implementation and early promotion; staff said they would return with a progress report after the first season.