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Volunteer support has been and continues to be crucial to the success of
the Greenway. Beginning with the Board of Directors, which sets polic y
and goals and actively participates in fund raising, volunteers are involved
in all aspects of the Greenway's activities.
From coordinating special events to pulling weeds and planting flowers,
over 500 volunteers a year help keep the Greenway a very special place for
our entire community to enjoy. We appreciate the volunteers with whom we
work directly, as well as the many volunteers who quietly and often anonymously
work to clean and beautify the Greenway.
Our Courtesy Cart drivers are a major part of the summer on the Greenway. Everyday usually 3 shifts per day from April thru September they pass out water, some smiles and make the Greenway a welcoming and friendly place to visit. They are the definition of customer service and are all Volunteers. 74 individuals worked together in 2009 to make this happen.
The top Courtesy Cart driver put in 208 hours in 2008 on the cart. Next in line was 195 hours. No wonder they racked up over 21,000 miles on the carts last summer. What a commitment from these folks. Without a doubt, they are Yakima's goodwill ambassadors extraordinaire. Unsung Hero's? Yep, we have em'. Lot's of 'em! And we sure appreciate all that they do for the Greenway and the Yakima Valley community.
VOLUNTEER
of the 2008 3rd Quarter -
Ed Lane
If you have ever been on the Yakima Greenway in the
early mornings of summer you would recognize our 3rd quarter
volunteer Ed Lane who stands an imposing 6 foot 8 inches tall.
Ed has shown his devotion to the Yakima Greenway since his
retirement as a freight hauler by logging 208 hours of driving time
for our Courtesy Cart Program this summer alone. Ed is married to
his wife Carol and they have 3 grown daughters, Wendy, Tammy
and Vicky; he also has 3 grandchildren, granddaughter Brianna,
grandsons, James and Paris.
Thank you Ed for all you do!
VOLUNTEER
of the 2008 2nd Quarter -
Amanda McCabe
 With all the Volunteers that help out in some
capacity at the Greenway it makes it difficult to decide
on who should get the volunteer of the quarter and even
though it is never easy to decide the volunteer’s are always
very deserving, this is so true in this case. We are proud to
announce that with all of the dedication and effort Amanda
McCabe has brought to the Jr. Gap2Gap directorship she
has earned the Volunteer of the Quarter award. There
are at least 10 meetings through out the year that Amanda
attends for Gap2Gap plus the phone calls and meeting other
helpers out at the Greenway to go over ideas. She recruited
leg chairs and engaged people to help out on the day of
the race. This year the Jr. race and the awards ceremony
afterwards could not have gone much smoother. We would
just like to thank Amanda for all her dedication to the
Gap2Gap and the Greenway.
Thank you Amanda we appreciate all you do.
 VOLUNTEER
of the 2008 1st Quarter
- Robert Travis
Robert Travis is our 2008 1st Quarter Volunteer. Robert has
been driving Courtesy Cart for the last 3 seasons and has volunteered
with the maintenance crew for the last 2 years. He is always willing
to stop and shoot the breeze with anyone.
Great job Robert!
New volunteers are always welcome! Current opportunities include:
Litter Pickup
Volunteers are needed year-round to pick up litter along the Greenway. This
can be done by individuals or groups. Areas to pick up trash include along
the path, in natural areas, and around ponds and lakes. The Greenway can
supply garbage bags and litter pick-up sticks.
Gardening
Individuals or groups are needed to maintain flowerbeds and plantings in
Greenway parks. Level of commitment can range from a one-time weeding party
to adoption of a bed (or beds) in a park. The Greenway can supply gardening
tools if necessary.
Greenway Courtesy Cart
(May-October, weather permitting) Operation of the courtesy cart (golf cart)
on the pathway to provide pathway users with cool refreshments, first aid
supplies, and information. Volunteers commit to a three-hour shift once
a week after attending a mandatory training. Training sessions are held
in April and volunteers sign up for a shift at that time, with priority
given to returning drivers. This is a wonderful way to see the pathway
and interact with the many users of the path.
Gap2Gap Relay
About 400 people are needed for race course monitors; course
setup and take-down; helping racers at the exchanges; setup and take-down
of tents, signs, and barricades. The safety and success of these races
are dependent on adequate volunteer coverage. We also welcome groups (such
as clubs or employee groups) who would like to volunteer.
If any of these volunteer jobs match your interests, time, and skills, contact
the Yakima Greenway office.
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