|
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 2009 3rd Qtr - Barb Wells
 In a quarter where there was so much activity going
on, finding one person to single out as the volunteer
of the quarter is a difficult process. Our 3rd quarter
volunteer is an individual who’s energies have bettered
the Greenway and community for not just one quarter,
but actually a dozen quarters. Barb Wells, a member of
Junior League of Yakima, has been very instrumental
for a dozen years in bringing “A Case of the Blues &
All That Jazz” event to the community. In that time,
the event has grown into THE premier summer event
in Yakima. Barb has been Chairperson of the event,
worked on virtually every committee and for the last
several years has been a driving force in physically
putting the event “on the ground” as part of the
operations committee. We have watched her put in
12 hour days, in 100 degree heat, sweating all of the
small stuff (and big stuff) that it takes to build an event
for 4,000 people. It’s a monumental task. It takes a
small army of volunteers to make the event happen and
Barb has proven herself many times over to be a very
capable commander of the troops. It’s not a glamorous
job to erect fencing, site tents, set up tables and chairs,
distribute trash cans, hang banners, site tower lights and
a thousand other things. It’s the type of job that few
notice—unless it isn’t done and done right. As with
all of our volunteers to this event, they are all unsung
heroes. Barb epitomizes that spirit.
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.
|
