The concept of “Adopting a Park” appealed as a worthwhile project for the young people at CATS Inc as it utilises many aspects of personal and skills development for young adults with disabilites, such as camaraderie, team work, and the opportunity to socialise whilst participating in an activity.  The “Adopt a Park” concept has the additional aspect of providing the young people with a sense of community contribution and participation.  The partnership project identified possibilities of creating and maintaining a garden, utilising skills that many of the young people have acquired in their volunteer work within other community settings e.g. groundsmen work at local Aged Care Facilities and schools.

With this idea and concept in mind, contact was made with Councillor Andrew Antoniolli to explore and discuss the possibilities and potential partnerships. Cr Antoniolli was enthused by the idea that matched some of his own development aspirations for the identified park facility.  From this interaction the Adopt-A-Park project and ensuing partnership with Council has evolved.

The project has since grown from the initial concepts of maintaining the park to including the added aim of creating a place where people come together to enjoy the facilities and participate in a range of activities and socialisation that promotes a sense of local community.

The following is an extract from a Media Release issued by the Ipswich City Council (21st February 2012)

COMMUNITY organisations will be encouraged to adopt a park around Ipswich in partnership with Council.

Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee Chairperson, Councillor David Morrison said the Adopt A Park program had been part of Council’s volunteer program in the past but it was agreed a more formal partnership between Council and a registered community organisation, group or eligible business could be more beneficial in the long term.

“Under this model, the registered groups or businesses could adopt a park and carry out a range of activities to assist council with everything from litter collection, cleaning of park furniture and reporting hazards and maintenance issues.

“Opportunities exist for additional works to be carried out such as mulching, tree planting and other activities which may be required within individual parks.

Cr Morrison said some great examples of such partnerships included CATS (Community Access Transition Service) adoption of Newtown Park, the Walloon State School’s adoption of Henry Lawson Park and Leichhardt Scout Group’s adoption of Leichhardt Park.

“Recent discussion with Lend Lease and Greater Springfield Community Inc indicate moving the Adopt a Park program within Springfield Lakes to a partnership model would also be highly beneficial.”

Cr Morrison said benefits of moving the program from volunteering towards a community partnership were many fold.

“It would be less resource intensive for Council as most community groups and organisations had their own insurance and workplace health and safety and therefore individuals would not be required to be individually registered with Council to be able to participate.

“It would also mean the program could be managed with fewer resources while achieving a similar community outcome and any expectations about the scope of the program could be identified upfront with the organisation or group.