Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteers are an important part of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Without volunteers the Department would be limited in the programs and activities it offers. Cultural Arts, Senior Citizen, Special Events, Therapeutic Recreation, Youth Sports, Recreation Center Advisory Councils, and the parks are just a few of the areas that depend on volunteers.

Want to volunteer now? Print the Volunteer Application and return to: RPCA/Volunteer, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

If you would like more information about volunteering, call 703.746.4343 or email I want to Volunteer.

• Adopt a Garden
• Adopt a Park 
• Buddie Ford Nature Center
• Commissions & Committies 
• Commission for the Arts
• Open Space Fund
• Recreation Center Advisory Councils 
• Therapeutic Recreation 
• Youth Sports

  ---

Commissions & Committees

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities commissions and committees compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on issues affecting the City. All meetings open to the public. Position vacancies are advertised in the local newspapers and through civic associations. Applicants for commission and committee vacancies may obtain application forms and additional information by calling 703.746.4800 or by visiting the Office of Communications and Public Information.

• Alexandria Park & Recreation Commission 
• Alexandria Commission for the Arts
• Alexandria Beautification Commission 
• Alexandria Waterfront Committee 

Back to Top

Adopt a Garden

The Adopt-a-Garden program is a cooperative venture between the City of Alexandria and its citizens. Through an agreement with the City, an individual, community, or group assumes responsibility for assisting in the maintenance of a garden located on public property.  The program was created after many involved citizens and organizations expressed interest in creating new gardens on city property or maintaining existing city gardens. More information  

Back to Top 

Adopt a Park

The Adopt-a-Park program is a cooperative venture between the State of Virginia, the City of Alexandria, and Alexandrian citizens to improve the appearance and condition of Alexandria’s small urban parks and open spaces. Community groups monitor and clean up their park at least once a week from April through November. City officials visit these parks once a month and award points based on the park’s condition. At the season’s end, cash awards are made to participating groups based on the points earned. Award funds are frequently used by the organizations for park improvements such as benches, additional play equipment, drinking fountains, and landscaping. More Information 

Back to Top

Therapeutic Recreation Volunteer Instructor Program – VIP

Volunteers have an opportunity to work with younger children while under the supervision of a Therapeutic Recreation Leader while conducting programs. For additional information, call 703.746.5422.

Back to Top

Recreation Center Advisory Councils - A Way to Get Involved

• Charles Barrett Recreation Center
  3rd Tuesday at 6:30 pm
  Call 703.746.5551 for information.
• Charles Houston Recreation Center
  3rd Wednesday at 7 pm
  Call 703.746.5552 for information.
• Cora Kelly Recreation Center
  3rd Wednesday at 7 pm
  Call 703.746.5554 for information.
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center
  3rd Wednesday at 7 pm
  Call 703.746.5556 for information.
• Nannie J. Lee Memorial Center
  2nd Monday at 7 pm
  Call 703.746.5550 for information.
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center
  2nd Tuesday at 7 pm
  Call 703.746.5557 for information.
• William Ramsay Recreation Center
  3rd Wednesday at 6:30 pm
  Call 703.746.5558 for information.

Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please call the recreation center in your neighborhood or visit www.alexandriava.gov/RecreationCenters for additional information.

Back to Top

Alexandria Commission for the Arts

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts is seeking volunteers with expertise in dance, literature, music, theatre and visual arts to serve on Resource Panels. In addition, the Commission is seeking volunteers to serve on the Alex Awards, Film Festival, Arts Education, Marketing, and the Business and the Arts Committees. Volunteers who serve on Committees assist the Alexandria Commission for the Arts in advancing the organization's goals, objectives and strategies. For additional information, click here.

Back to Top

Open Space Fund

Make a donation to our open space fund to keep our parks clean and green! More Information.

Back to Top