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Lake Accotink Park Volunteer

Lake Accotink Park 7500 Accotink Park Road Springfield, VA 22150 Site Manager Julie Tahan 703-569-0285 Volunteer at Lake Accotink Park... Our volunteers make all the difference each and every day as they interact with park staff, expand their knowledge, acquire new experiences, and share their passion for the park. Their work is invaluable because they provide critical services for which staff resources do not exist. They help with maintaining park trails and grounds, observing and reporting safety issues or park use infractions, weeding flower beds, performing clean-up work of the lake and parkland, and serving in specialized roles make possible the community events for which Lake Accotink Park is known. Equally important, our volunteers serve as our ambassadors and advocates in our community. We are grateful to all who give generously of their time and talent. Julie Tahan, Site Manager COMPLETE LISTINGS POSITION DESCRIPTIONS HIGHLIGHTS... Volunteers provided the power for the overhaul of Lake Accotink Park’s carousel. After the wear and tear of an operating season, the hand-carved horses need stripping, sanding and repainting. But the maintenance position that normally handled the annual job was lost to budget reductions and reorganization, so park staff sought help from an art instructor with a faithful following for her oil painting classes. Brushes at the ready, four students stepped up to the palettes to volunteer. These primary painters had lots of assistance from Lake Accotink staff, who relished the chance to practice creativity. Artistically done in bright colors and whimsical designs, the carousel has more variety in its stable, and kids are now picking multiple favorites for repeat rides. Even those who don’t ride are enjoying the craftsmanship of the marina’s focal point. Currently seeking volunteer to chair the Cardboard Boat Regatta. For more information contact Julie Tahan 703-569-0285 CURRENTLY IN NEED OF... Assistant Volunteer Manager Special Event Support Maintenance Support Class Instructor Assistant Newsletter/Web Content Support Trail/Park Support Invasive Management Area Program APPLY ONLINE NOW VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Jim Hickey Lake Accotink's 2011 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Jim is the very essence of volunteerism. His volunteerism has won him recognition from the business community and other organizations-yet he would never be one to seek such accolades. Jim was instrumental in helping to establish the park's first-ever Friends group last year. The make-up of volunteer groups typically changes over time, as individuals' interests and availability go through changes. In the case of Friends of Lake Accotink Park, Jim was a steady force--providing leadership, encouragement, and creative energy on a consistent basis. For example, he suggested the mascot for the group, which was enthusiastically adopted. Jim also served as an effective spokesperson for Lake Accotink Park at county budget hearings and other public meetings. Jim is there when it counts the most and adapts to whatever the situation calls for. He graciously shares roles, such as emcee duties for Braddock Nights concerts and assignment coordination for Watershed Clean-up Days. But he can just as reliably take center stage and deliver a command performance, as seen when he served again this past year as Master of Ceremonies for the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Jim understands the importance of community... and the responsibility we each have to doing our part to make things better. He is a great storyteller and reaches into his vast stores of wisdom to draw out meaning and relevance for those around him. He has always been a strong advocate on behalf of Lake Accotink Park and for parks as a whole. Jim's unquenchable sense of humor, his calm leadership, and his generous spirit of giving set a tremendous example for customers and everyone who benefits when parks are supported. VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE THE BENEFITS OF... Free RECenter facility use: Volunteers who maintain an average of four hours of service per week or three weekly classes per class session as an Adapted Aquatics assistant, can use their RECenter’s general facilities free of charge. Community Park Benefits: Currently active Community park volunteers who have consistently maintained an average of four hours of service per week can use EITHER the Free RECenter facility Use of the partnering RECenter, OR their site’s Community Park benefit. Free RECenter classes: Volunteers who have served a minimum of 32 hours and maintain an average of eight hours of service per week, or volunteer as an Adapted Aquatics assistant for four weekly classes per class session are eligible to take one free FCPA class per session on a space available basis. Family Discount Pass