If you’d like to have fun while making a lasting difference, we invite you to join our team and volunteer for the Kent County Parks Department. With opportunities available at more than 30 parks, we have projects for individuals and groups of all sizes. Whatever your interests, you too can help our community protect and improve our valuable green spaces.

During 2009 volunteers contributed their time and talents through photography, planting monarch butterfly habitats, identifying and removing invasive species, cleaning up parks and trails, building and maintaining trails, painting, gardening, teaching, and much more!

Next year’s volunteer opportunities include:

• A “Spring Clean” event that will take place from April 17-24 in honor of Earth Day. Volunteers will help to rake, clear trails, remove invasive plant species, and help get our county parks ready for spring and summer enjoyment! Reserve your place today for this fun Spring activity that is perfect for all ages!
• Ongoing opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved in special projects tailored to the time and talents of the volunteers! Projects range from one-time contributions to long-term volunteer placements.
• The Kent County Parks “Adopt-A-Park” Program will also launch in 2010. Organizations and businesses will have the opportunity to designate a park to make ongoing and lasting contributions for the benefit of the public and our beautiful Michigan environment.

To volunteer or for more information contact coordinator Andrea Dunne-Sosa at Volunteer Services, Kent County Parks Department. Tel (616) 336-3884 or email: park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov.

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Q: How did you get involved with the Doggie Dash?

Sandy: My son, husband and I are big into sports. One time while in The Runnery I came across a “Bailey’s Doggie Dash” flyer. I thought I would try the race out. My husband and I were both runners then, we also had a dog named Taz – he ran as well. Taz and I went on to win 1st prize in my Womens age group during 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Q: What is it about volunteering that you enjoy?

Sandy: I love giving things to people, I also love giving things to animals.

Q: Do you make all the pillows, or is this a family project?

Sandy: I make all of the pillows myself. I hand-sew and stuff them. One year I crocheted cloth rugs, another I made dog toys out of stuffed socks tied into knots. I think people appreciate the pillows the most.

Q: How long have you volunteered with Bailey’s Doggie Dash?

Sandy: I have been making pillows for about 5 years. I make four per year, occasionally I make an extra that is raffled off. Pillows are awarded to the mens and womens overall and masters winners.

Q: What is the feedback from dog owners about your pillows?

Sandy: People compliment me about how nice they are. One man asked me to autograph his pillow, so I did.

Q: Have a fun story to share about running in the Doggie Dash?

Sandy: During one of the races I ran in, I spotted a Grand Rapids Press cameraman at the top of the last hill near the finish. As we approached him I stopped so he could get a picture of Taz and I. He called out to me to “keep running!”

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