BLOOMINGTON — The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department has announced a slate of upcoming volunteer opportunities, inviting community members to give back across a wide variety of local autumn events, youth sports, and conservation initiatives.
Quoting author Sherry Anderson, program coordinators reminded residents of the essential role community members play: “Volunteers are not paid. Not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”
Whether your interest lies in youth athletics, community celebrations, family festivals, or environmental science, several positions are open for sign-up:
Youth Basketball Coaches Needed
Local sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to mentor the next generation of athletes through the Bloomington Youth Basketball league. Volunteers will coach teams ranging from Kindergarten through Grade 6, leading weekly practices and games. Leagues are co-ed through Grade 3 and separated by gender starting in Grade 4. The season runs from October through December, with a break in November for the holidays. Coaches must commit to the full season.
Bryan Park 75th Anniversary — “Bloomington Branches”
Celebrate 75 years of Bryan Park at Bloomington Branches: An Arboretum Party in the Park. The anniversary event will feature guided tree tours, live music, tree giveaways, and family activities. Volunteers are needed to assist staff with event setup, leading tree tours, managing tree giveaways, and running activity stations.
Glow in the Park
Residents are invited to light up the night at Glow in the Park, a neon-themed evening dance party. Volunteer duties include assisting with event setup, participant check-in, running activities, applying face paint, spraying neon paint, and post-event teardown. Volunteers are advised to wear clothing they do not mind getting paint on.
12th Annual Bug Fest
Bloomington’s popular family event, Bug Fest, returns to teach children about insects and creepy crawlies. Volunteers can select from several roles, including staffing the Welcome Table, directing the Craft Table, managing the Toddler Station, supervising games, or assisting as general Event Floaters.
Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz
Environmental stewards can participate in the National Recreation and Park Association’s annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz. Parks and Recreation has set a goal to log pollinator and plant observations in every city park. Volunteers will use the free iNaturalist smartphone app to record local flora and fauna alongside expert naturalists.
How to Register
Full details, specific shift times, and registration links for all listed opportunities are available through the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department volunteer portal online at volunteer.bloomington.in.gov.
