Oakland Public Works, in partnership with our community, provides opportunities for everyone - individuals, families, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, employee groups, and local businesses - to play an active and ongoing role in maintaining, cleaning, greening, and beautifying Oakland's neighborhoods, parks, and creeks.
The Oakland Adopt a Spot program accommodates a wide range of volunteer interests and goals. Participants adopt a public space and make a commitment to regularly clean and maintain the spot for no less than one year. Adopted spots must be on City of Oakland property or right-of-way. Typical spots include parks, creeks, storm drains, curbs, and sidewalks. Volunteer activities may include: removing litter, graffiti, and weeds; installing mosaics and murals on litter containers, restoring habitat, and more.
Public Works supports volunteers by providing tools and supplies, debris pickup assistance, promotion, and technical assistance.
NOTE: Significant park modifications may require approval from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (https://www.oaklandca.gov/boards-commissions/parks-and-recreation-advisory-commission). The committee requires a written report and discussion of proposed projects at their monthly meeting. Approval can take several months.
***If you wish to sign up for the Adopt a Drain program, DO NOT FILL OUT THIS FORM. Please visit www.adoptadrainoakland.com to sign up for the Adopt a Drain program (will open in a new tab).
Instructions:
1. Read and familiarize yourself with the Volunteer Guidelines (will open in a new tab):
https://www.oaklandca.gov/documents/volunteer-guidelines 2. Answer the questions below
After this form and all documents have been submitted, a Public Works representative will contact you to discuss your application. Once your application is approved, you will become eligible for support from the City.
Questions about the Adopt a Spot program or the sign up process? Please email us at
adoptaspot@oaklandca.gov or call (510) 238-7630.
