Park Stewardship Agreement Terms and Conditions
1. The Group will perform only activities agreed to by the MPRB. All work is to be completed by volunteers; the Group will not hire others to perform the work.
2. The Group will use only NON-MOTORIZED hand tools and will take all reasonable precautions to protect volunteers from injury and park property from damage. The Group will furnish tools and supplies in connection
with this Agreement unless otherwise arranged between parties.
3. Use of pesticides is prohibited.
4. Prior to beginning work, all volunteers will read the MPRB Safety Guidelines found in the section above. Prior to beginning work for the season all volunteers will read and sign the Waiver of Liability form. Volunteers under the age of 18 will require parent/guardian signature. This form will be supplied by the MPRB.
5. Members of the Group working under this agreement will not be considered employees of the MPRB and will not receive compensation for their efforts.
6. Members of the Group and all other volunteers who participate in efforts of the Group will hold the MPRB harmless from all claims, damages, losses and expenses which may arise by reason of any act, omission or negligence on the part of the Group or its volunteers in connection with this Agreement.
7. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time upon written notice to the other party. This Agreement will be reviewed annually and may be renewed provided both parties are in agreement.

In addition, the Stewardship Group Lead Volunteer Agrees to:
1. Inform MPRB Staff Lead/Contact at least two week in advance of any proposed volunteer events to ensure there are no conflicts regarding the proposed tasks or date/time.
2. Ensure that all volunteers read the Safety Guidelines and sign the Waiver of Liability prior to commencing volunteer activities.
3. Ensure that all volunteers read and comply with the policies outlined in the MPRB Volunteer Handbook: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020_volunteer_handbook.pdf
4. Track and submit a record of hours worked by all volunteers to the MPRB Environmental Stewardship Volunteer Coordinator at the end of the year.

Volunteer Duty Restrictions
1. A volunteer cannot be used to replace or eliminate any authorized staff position. Rather, volunteers assist park employees in the completion of their duties.
2. A volunteer may not be placed in a hazardous situation or exposed to hazardous chemicals as part of their work.
3. Volunteers are prohibited from using herbicides and pesticides of any kind.
4. Volunteers are prohibited from using power tools of any kind.

I understand that submitting this form does not automatically register me or my group as Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Park Stewards, and that there may be certain stipulations that I or my group must meet before we can begin a stewardship agreement.

Volunteer Safety Guidelines

The safety of volunteers and park users is of primary concern to the MPRB. All volunteers who participate in park stewardship or volunteer activities must review these guidelines prior to volunteer service. Adherence to these safety guidelines is of utmost importance and failure to abide by these safety precautions could result in the cancellation of the volunteer or stewardship agreement.
1. Complete volunteer tasks only during daylight hours and in appropriate weather for the task.
2. Dress in protective clothing including work gloves, sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to prevent injury from sharp objects, thorns, sunburn, and poison ivy.
3. Avoid over-exertion. Take breaks and drink plenty of water on warm days.
4. Be aware of your surroundings to ensure your safety and the safety of others, particularly when using tools.
5. Do not wear headsets or engage in conduct which would divert your attention from your work and/or impair your ability to perceive dangerous situations.
6. Use caution in areas where hazardous conditions exist including, but not limited to: roads, parking lots, bridges, construction sites and open water. Volunteers are not to work while mowing, tree trimming, or pest control is in progress. Report hazardous situations (ex. loose plank on foot bridge) immediately to your MPRB contact.
7. Exercise caution when picking up litter. Do not crush collected items and beware that broken or jagged objects could cause injury. Do not try to pick up heavy, large, or hazardous materials. Notify your MPRB contact for pick-up of these materials.
8. Volunteers are prohibited from using herbicides and pesticides of any kind.
9. Volunteers are prohibited from using power tools of any kind.

Stewardship Agreement/Volunteer Waiver of Liability, Release, Assumption of Risk and Photo Release Section

I understand that personal injury, illness, death or other loss to myself or others may occur directly or proximately from my participating in any and all volunteer activities that I engage in with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and I voluntarily assume this risk.

I agree to abide by all the rules and regulations pertaining to my volunteer activity as may be designated by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, its agents or employees. In consideration for being allowed to participate in Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board volunteer activities, I agree and bind my executors, administrators and assigns to forever release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board from all claims or courses of action which may hereafter exist by reason of any loss, damage to property and/or personal injury and/or death which may be caused and/or sustained by the undersigned while participating in volunteer activities.

I acknowledge that there is no medical reason why I cannot or should not participate in this volunteer activity. I further acknowledge that I have read the foregoing, understand its terms and meaning and have made diligent inquiry concerning any questions about this document that I may have.

My submittal of this document allows the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to use photos and/or videos of myself or my minor child for MPRB public relations purposes.

I have read this Release and Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement and fully understand its terms. I acknowledge that by submitting this document I freely and voluntarily understand that I completely and unconditionally release the MPRB to all liability to the greatest extent permitted by law.

Link to the MPRB Volunteer Waiver: https://form.jotform.com/243397094987173

Park Stewardship Agreement Links:

Please share the following links with your volunteers. Paper copies available upon request.

Adult Volunteer Waiver 

Volunteer Handbook

Buckthorn Removal Guidelines