Take pride in your community

Contribute to the beauty of Savage by volunteering to Adopt-A-Park or Adopt-A-Garden. There are 20 parks throughout Savage, providing recreation, community space and beauty for residents and visitors in any season. To keep our parks and gardens enjoyable for all, we hope that you will consider adopting one near you.

Volunteers can choose to plant and maintain an annual garden and/or keep a park litter free, and report any vandalism or needed repairs. Volunteers may adopt a park or garden of their choice, providing it has not already been adopted.

Requirements for Adopt-A-Park

• Visit your park at least 3 times per season
• Pick up litter, check for vandalism/damage to the park and report any needed repairs.
• Large garbage bags are available for your use at the City Public Works Building. The City will remove the filled trash bags from the park entrances.
• All volunteers must complete an Adoption Agreement Form

 Requirements for Adopt-A-Garden

• Plant and maintain (weed/water) one of the flowerbeds located at the entrance sign of the parks. Some parks have more than one sign. You can choose to do one or both.
• Volunteers are responsible for purchasing the flowers and can turn in receipts for reimbursement up to $50.
• All volunteers must complete an Adoption Agreement Form

If you are interested in participating, please call the City of Savage Public Works at 952-224-3400.

The City of Savage has four boards/commissions which are comprised of residents and local businesses that provide an invaluable service to the City by making recommendations and acting as a sounding board for new initiatives. Commission members are volunteers appointed by the City Council following an application and interview process. Members typically serve three-year terms that begin on February 1.

Learn more and view current board and commission members.

This community celebration is coordinated by the Dan Patch Days Committee. Anyone who is interested in volunteering should contact the Dan Patch Days Committee at 612-405-2019. Volunteers receive a Dan Patch Days t-shirt and bottle of water when they check in for their shift.

The City of Savage annually works with Eagle Scout and Gold Award candidates on projects necessary to achieve the most prestigious rankings. Past projects have included the following:

• Butterfly garden at Savage Community Park
• Chimney swift tower at Savage Community Park
• Historical farm marker at McCann Park
• History kiosk in downtown Savage

The City has many divisions that could benefit from an Eagle Scout or Gold Award volunteer project. Staff also may be able to suggest projects that could meet the project criteria. Ideas include:

• Resurfacing wood-chip trails
• Painting projects
• Community clean up projects (stream bank restorations, etc.)

Application Process

Scouts who wish to work with the City on their project are asked to complete a Scout Service Project Application. Staff will review the project idea and contact the Scout with any questions. The project idea will be presented to the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission for feedback/consideration. Once approved, the Scout will work with staff to complete the project, keeping staff informed of the project's progress.

Project Timeline

• Allow a minimum of 2-6 months to complete the process.
• The City will not rush its process to meet an approaching 18th birthday (deadline for Scouts to complete project).
• Frequent contact with staff is required.

If you are interested in participating, please call Public Works at 952-224-3400.

This volunteer experience will provide the opportunity for 14-15 year old participants to gain leadership, communication and job skills. Junior Instructors will work side by side with playground camp instructors on all camp duties. Duties include but are not limited to assisting with check-in/check-out of participants, craft set-up and implementation, leading games, activities and more.

To Apply

Application - Apply Online >

Deadline to apply: April 1

Interview - If selected for an interview, you will be contacted in April by Parks and Recreation staff.

Background Check - Prior to placement, volunteers will be asked to complete and undergo a criminal background check.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact the Savage Parks and Recreation Division at 952-224-3420.

The Savage Parks and Recreation Division seeks outgoing and dedicated people and groups to volunteer for special events throughout the year. Volunteers play an important role in helping to connect our community through special events.

Whether you are interested in a one-time volunteer opportunity or regular volunteering, each potential volunteer is required to fill out the form, complete and undergo a criminal background check once a year, and attend a volunteer orientation.

Special events include:

• Halloween Bash | October
• Secret Holiday Shop | December
• Flashlight Egg Scramble | Spring

To Apply

Application - Apply Now

*Background Check - Prior to acceptance, individual volunteers will be asked to complete and undergo a criminal background check.

Waiver/Permission Form - Group volunteers will be subject to each member filling out a waiver/permission form.

Review/Acceptance - Savage Parks and Recreation staff will review your individual or group volunteer application and contact you regarding acceptance to be a volunteer for the City of Savage.

Orientation - All accepted volunteers are required to attend orientation prior to each special event to review expectations.

*Individual volunteers must submit a criminal background check after completing the special event volunteer application.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact the Savage Parks and Recreation Division at 952-224-3420.

What is the VIPS program?

After 911, the National Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program was born out of a desire of people to serve their community. The VIPS program began in 2010 and now is an integral part of the Savage Police Department. VIPS provide support and resources for agencies by donating their time and skills. ‘Our volunteers are essential in helping the Police Department facilitate Community outreach programs.

Who are the VIPS?

VIPS, or Volunteers in Police Service, are people who live or work in Savage and want to give back to their community. Volunteers are expected to donate an average of 5 hours per month.

What do VIPS do?

• Police Department tours
• Manage the Business Registry Program
• Night to Unite
• Assist in community programs
• Neighborhood Watch meetings
• Dan Patch Days
• School programs
• Santa Cop
• Citizen’s Police Academy
• Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics
• Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics
• Doggie Palooza
• Public notifications of recent crimes or predatory offenders

How to apply

• Currently not accepting applications

The application process consists of:

• Application
• Interview
• Background check

If you have any questions regarding this program please contact the VIPS Coordinator, Crime Prevention Specialist at 952-882-2604.

Capture the best of Savage! The City of Savage is looking for volunteer photographers to help photograph several city and community programs and events. Use your talent and passion to help document many different aspects of our community.

Position Description

Volunteer photographers donate their time and talent to capture images at a variety of events in the Savage community. Images will be used on the City website, newsletters, and various promotional materials. Sample assignments include taking pictures at Night to Unite, Music in the Park, various Parks and Recreation programs like summer playground and sport camps and special events like Halloween Bash, Secret Holiday Shop, and Flashlight Egg Scramble.

Who we are looking for:
You don't need to be a professional! Amateur photographers are welcome. You will need to:

• Provide your own camera and transportation
• Be able to work independently with limited supervision
• Submit high resolution photos (300 dpi) in a JPEG format
• Select the best photos from your collection, edit as needed, and submit 10-20 final photos on a provided jump drive within 1 week of the event
• Commit to photograph events in advance and follow through on those commitments

You will be contacted with a list of upcoming events and will be asked to choose assignments that match your schedule and interest. You would generally not need to stay at an event for more than an hour.

Use of Photos

As a volunteer working on behalf of the City of Savage, the photos you take become property of the City for unrestricted use. Photo credits will be included on photos as much as possible.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer photographer for the City of Savage, please contact Communications Manager Emily Gunderson at 952-882-2655 with questions or to discuss the position.