Partners in Parks is a parkland stewardship program that encourages Edmontonians to enhance and preserve their local green space.
Neighbourhoods have been kept green and thriving for over 40 years with the help of dedicated Edmontonians who participate in the Partners in Parks program.
Every year individuals and groups help the City of Edmonton by enhancing the maintenance of horticultural beds. Participating with Partners in Park is an incredible opportunity with many benefits:
- Service to the community
- Building climate resilience
- Caring for local green spaces
- Increasing biodiversity
- Learning and refining gardening skills
- Keeping active outdoors and
- Connecting with neighbours
Join us for a special event to start this 40th year of Partners in Parks.
Date: Wednesday May 14
Time: 3-7pm
Location: Windsor Park - 118 Street & 89 Avenue NW
- Learn about Partners in Parks and other local greening projects
- Browse information tables from gardening and parkland groups
- Participate in family-friendly activities
Activities
Partners in Parks participants enhance the maintenance of horticultural beds throughout the city. If you see someone hard at work, make sure to let them know how much their effort is helping to beautify your neighbourhood!
Partners enhance the work in existing City-owned horticultural beds, which are typically located in parks and open spaces. Some sites are not suitable for participants, including those that are too close to roads, railway tracks or stormwater management facilities. Program staff will confirm the selection of your bed as part of registration.
Activities include:
- Removing litter
- Weeding shrub beds
- Planting non-invasive annuals or perennials
- Watering plant material
- Mulching
- Soil amendment, such as adding compost
Looking to plant some flowers in your Partners in Parks bed, but want to learn more about native plants?
For information on native plant species and a list of suppliers visit Native Plants in Edmonton.
Partners in Parks efforts boost pride in our city and bring beauty to neighbourhoods. Participating also helps to improve habitat for native plants, birds and pollinators, while also reducing the presence of invasive weeds.
Personal benefits of participating include:
- Gain personal satisfaction and enjoyment
- Opportunity to stay physically and mentally healthy
- Develop horticulture and gardening skills
- Recognition for contribution of over 10 hours of service
Following registration, all Partners will be asked to complete onboarding tasks.
Training includes reviewing the Partners in Parks Manual, the program orientation and acknowledgment of completion.
Partners will receive their bag of program resources, including gardening gloves, participant badge, garbage bags and site signage.
Complimentary items may also be provided if available.
Partners are responsible for their own sturdy, closed-toe footwear such as runners and weather-appropriate clothing. Horticultural tools such as hand trowels and rakes are also the responsibility of the participant.
Partners are encouraged to report the number of hours they contribute through MyImpactPage.
Every year Partners in Parks participants are asked to complete a short survey about their experience. Some people provide testimonials, such as the ones below, that highlight the benefits of participating.
"It's nice to have an excuse to get outside and enjoy the weather and the dirt! Also nice to see the results of your hard work throughout the season."
"I enjoyed participating in the Partners in Parks program. I enjoyed getting outside in the fresh air, and I was pleased to be able to see my local park looking better because of my efforts."
"I enjoy working in my garden which is located beside a well-used trail and enjoy talking to walkers as they go by. It's a nice way to connect with my neighbours and others passing through the community, both verbally and aesthetically."
Edmonton Horticultural Society (EHS)
A longstanding sponsor of the Partners in Parks program, for many years, in-kind donations of EHS memberships have supported participants in accessing workshops and training, retail discounts and meeting the community of horticulturalists in Edmonton.
For more information about memberships, special events and workshops, visit EHS.
Apache Seeds Limited
Apache Seeds has generously donated hundreds of seed packets to the Partners in Parks program. These seeds have been handed out to community members and Program participants, and will be used to beautify many parks across the City. Visit Apache Seeds for more information.
Edmonton Native Plant Society
The Edmonton Native Plant Society has partnered with Partners in Parks to bring native plant species seed packets to all program participants. Discover resources on Edmonton's native plant species and sustainable gardening suitable for all levels of expertise. Visit Edmonton Native Plant Society for more information.
Become a Sponsor or Donor
Champion Edmonton's Green Spaces: Partner with Partners in Parks!
Is your organization committed to a greener future? Your organization can directly contribute to a thriving, sustainable city by supporting Partners in Parks. We offer diverse sponsorship opportunities, from in-kind product donations to program funding, aligning your brand with horticultural education, skill development, and innovative community greening projects. Your investment directly contributes to a more beautiful, climate-resilient, and neighbourly Edmonton, enhancing parks and recreation for everyone. Explore partnership opportunities today! Learn how your contribution can make a difference!
