http://www.pesticide.org/get-the-facts/ncap-publications-and-reports/pesticide-free-parks/pfptoolkit-lowres.pdf
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks:
.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks:
.
How to Create Healthy Public
Spaces in Your Community
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
PO Box 1393
Eugene, OR 97440
Arbor Lodge is one of Portland, Oregon’s first pesticide-free parks.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Ten Steps To Pesticide-free Parks 3
1. Connect With Others Who Share Your Interest
In Pesticide-free Parks 4
2. Set Goals And Clarify What The Group Wants 5
3. Identify And Meet With Parks Staff To
Measure Support For Your Goals 6
4. Gather More Support From The Community To
Gain Visibility And Add To Your Numbers 8
5. Launch A Campaign To Influence The Decisionmakers Who
Can Establish The Desired Program 9
6. Once The Program Concept Is Approved, Work With Parks Staff
To Design A Program That Has Community And Agency Support 11
7. Put The Program In Writing 13
8. Train and Support Your Program Volunteers 14
9. Plan A Community Event With Parks Staff To Kick Off
The Program And Celebrate! 15
10. Moving Forward With Your Program 16
Appendix A-J
Introduction:
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
The pesticide-free parks movement is growing! People want places they can go with their
children and pets where they won’t be exposed to pesticides. There are new pesticide-free parks
programs sprouting up all over the northwest! Just five years ago, only a few cities in the northwest
had established pesticide-free parks programs. Now at least 17 cities in the northwest have parks
that are managed without the use of any pesticides — including insecticides, fungicides and
herbicides.
As more and more community members become interested in pesticide-free public spaces,
parks departments are responding by designating parks where vegetation is managed without
herbicides. Weeds in these parks are managed with a variety of techniques including hand pulling,
flame weeding and mulching by parks staff and sometimes by volunteers. In addition to reducing
the pesticides used in public spaces, pesticide-free parks serve as a model of practices people
can use in their own homes and gardens, spreading the idea that we can manage weed and pest
problems without chemicals.
Are you ready for pesticide-free parks in your community? Are you ready to work with parks
staff to establish places where you can go with your children and pets where you won’t be exposed
to pesticides? The process takes a firm commitment from dedicated individuals but is well worth
the effort. In this report, the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) has outlined
10 steps you can take to create a pesticide-free parks program in your community.
Kids and pets
can enjoy pesticidefree
parks without
exposure to
pesticides.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--3
This volunteer takes
a break to appreciate
her pesticide-free
park.
Identify people in your community who
are ready to take a leadership role in creating
a pesticide-free parks program. You might find
these people by having a booth at community
events, talking with people who use the park,
thinking of your own friends, or connecting
with a school or church near a park you have
in mind.
Create a committee or group of a few
people who are ready to take leadership on
the issue. These people might be willing to
attend meetings with city staff, connect with
.
Spaces in Your Community
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
PO Box 1393
Eugene, OR 97440
Arbor Lodge is one of Portland, Oregon’s first pesticide-free parks.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Ten Steps To Pesticide-free Parks 3
1. Connect With Others Who Share Your Interest
In Pesticide-free Parks 4
2. Set Goals And Clarify What The Group Wants 5
3. Identify And Meet With Parks Staff To
Measure Support For Your Goals 6
4. Gather More Support From The Community To
Gain Visibility And Add To Your Numbers 8
5. Launch A Campaign To Influence The Decisionmakers Who
Can Establish The Desired Program 9
6. Once The Program Concept Is Approved, Work With Parks Staff
To Design A Program That Has Community And Agency Support 11
7. Put The Program In Writing 13
8. Train and Support Your Program Volunteers 14
9. Plan A Community Event With Parks Staff To Kick Off
The Program And Celebrate! 15
10. Moving Forward With Your Program 16
Appendix A-J
Introduction:
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
The pesticide-free parks movement is growing! People want places they can go with their
children and pets where they won’t be exposed to pesticides. There are new pesticide-free parks
programs sprouting up all over the northwest! Just five years ago, only a few cities in the northwest
had established pesticide-free parks programs. Now at least 17 cities in the northwest have parks
that are managed without the use of any pesticides — including insecticides, fungicides and
herbicides.
As more and more community members become interested in pesticide-free public spaces,
parks departments are responding by designating parks where vegetation is managed without
herbicides. Weeds in these parks are managed with a variety of techniques including hand pulling,
flame weeding and mulching by parks staff and sometimes by volunteers. In addition to reducing
the pesticides used in public spaces, pesticide-free parks serve as a model of practices people
can use in their own homes and gardens, spreading the idea that we can manage weed and pest
problems without chemicals.
Are you ready for pesticide-free parks in your community? Are you ready to work with parks
staff to establish places where you can go with your children and pets where you won’t be exposed
to pesticides? The process takes a firm commitment from dedicated individuals but is well worth
the effort. In this report, the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) has outlined
10 steps you can take to create a pesticide-free parks program in your community.
Kids and pets
can enjoy pesticidefree
parks without
exposure to
pesticides.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--3
This volunteer takes
a break to appreciate
her pesticide-free
park.
Identify people in your community who
are ready to take a leadership role in creating
a pesticide-free parks program. You might find
these people by having a booth at community
events, talking with people who use the park,
thinking of your own friends, or connecting
with a school or church near a park you have
in mind.
Create a committee or group of a few
people who are ready to take leadership on
the issue. These people might be willing to
attend meetings with city staff, connect with
.
1. CONNECT WITH OTHERS WHO SHARE
YOUR INTEREST IN PESTICIDE-FREE PARKS
neighborhood associations, coordinate a kickoff
event, or do outreach at other local events.
Find a leadership role that fits each person.
Also, identify people who aren’t necessarily
leaders, but who are willing to help with the
effort. These people can help by working
at outreach events, distributing petitions in
support of pesticide-free parks, preparing
mailings or distributing flyers. Once the parks
are designated pesticide-free, they can also
help by pulling weeds, if this is needed.
4--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
YOUR INTEREST IN PESTICIDE-FREE PARKS
neighborhood associations, coordinate a kickoff
event, or do outreach at other local events.
Find a leadership role that fits each person.
Also, identify people who aren’t necessarily
leaders, but who are willing to help with the
effort. These people can help by working
at outreach events, distributing petitions in
support of pesticide-free parks, preparing
mailings or distributing flyers. Once the parks
are designated pesticide-free, they can also
help by pulling weeds, if this is needed.
4--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
.
2. SET GOALS AND CLARIFY WHAT THE
GROUP WANTS
Gather with your group of leaders to get
clarity on what the group wants.
Will you start with a few pesticide-free
parks or have the city declare all parks as
pesticide-free zones? NCAP recommends
starting small for success and adding more
parks in time.
Do you have a particular park or parks
in mind? Small neighborhood parks that are
used by kids are a great starting point. Large
parks with large natural areas and/or invasive
species can be difficult to manage with
volunteer efforts or by parks staff with limited
resources. Parks with ball fields can also be
difficult to manage because these large open
areas will need to be weeded by hand.
Will you offer to recruit and engage
volunteers, or will you ask the parks staff to
manage the parks without pesticides using
their staff resources? There are pros and cons
to both ways. When parks employees manage
the parks, they take more ownership for the
program. However, many parks departments
don’t currently have the resources to have staff
manage weeds without pesticides, so engaging
volunteers can be a good solution. Engaging
volunteers involves people in their parks and
encourages community service, but it also
takes a lot of time to recruit and supervise
people who are willing to pull weeds in the
parks. NCAP recommends starting with a goal
of having parks staff maintain the park(s), but
if this isn’t feasible, you may want to offer to
recruit and/or coordinate volunteers who will
help with weeding.
Volunteers using
hand tools maintain
this pesticide-free
ball field.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--5
2. SET GOALS AND CLARIFY WHAT THE
GROUP WANTS
Gather with your group of leaders to get
clarity on what the group wants.
Will you start with a few pesticide-free
parks or have the city declare all parks as
pesticide-free zones? NCAP recommends
starting small for success and adding more
parks in time.
Do you have a particular park or parks
in mind? Small neighborhood parks that are
used by kids are a great starting point. Large
parks with large natural areas and/or invasive
species can be difficult to manage with
volunteer efforts or by parks staff with limited
resources. Parks with ball fields can also be
difficult to manage because these large open
areas will need to be weeded by hand.
Will you offer to recruit and engage
volunteers, or will you ask the parks staff to
manage the parks without pesticides using
their staff resources? There are pros and cons
to both ways. When parks employees manage
the parks, they take more ownership for the
program. However, many parks departments
don’t currently have the resources to have staff
manage weeds without pesticides, so engaging
volunteers can be a good solution. Engaging
volunteers involves people in their parks and
encourages community service, but it also
takes a lot of time to recruit and supervise
people who are willing to pull weeds in the
parks. NCAP recommends starting with a goal
of having parks staff maintain the park(s), but
if this isn’t feasible, you may want to offer to
recruit and/or coordinate volunteers who will
help with weeding.
Volunteers using
hand tools maintain
this pesticide-free
ball field.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--5
.
3. IDENTIFY AND MEET WITH PARKS STAFF
TO MEASURE SUPPORT FOR YOUR GOALS
The primary goal of this first meeting is to
determine the level of support you have from
the parks department. Is the staff opposed to the
idea or receptive to implementing a pesticidefree
parks program? If staff members aren’t
supportive, they will need some convincing,
so providing information and examples
will be helpful. NCAP has created a report
titled, “Pesticide-free Parks: It’s Time!”
which is available from NCAP’s website at
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html or by mail. It
includes convincing and important reasons to
establish a pesticide-free parks program. You
can bring a copy of this report to the meeting.
Providing city staff with examples of
other cities that have implemented pesticidefree
parks programs and their success stories
will help parks staff understand the pesticidefree
parks movement is growing and they
should be part of the movement. NCAP has
also created a document titled “Pesticidefree
Parks Programs in the Northwest,”
which provides information about most of
the programs. This report is available at
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html or by mail. Share
this information with parks staff.
Find out who would be responsible for
implementing a pesticide-free parks program
within the parks department and contact them
to set up a meeting. This will usually be the
parks director in a smaller city or the parks
maintenance manager in a larger city. It’s
important to have more than one community
member attend this meeting so the person
you’re meeting with understands this is not a
one-person effort, but that a large part of the
community wants pesticide-free parks. Keep
the group at this first meeting small so you don’t
overwhelm the staff person you are meeting
with, as s/he may be defensive. Approach this
meeting with a friendly attitude to learn more
about whom you will be working with.
Remember, the term “pesticides” includes
herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Most
parks departments in the northwest don’t use
insecticides or fungicides, so the focus of this
conversation will be focused on herbicides
and controlling weeds.
Weeds in this shrub bed are
controlled with mulch made of
wood chips.
6--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
NCAP has created a series of reports
highlighting pesticide-free parks maintenance
strategies used by parks staff in the
Northwest titled, “Non-herbicidal Weed
Control Strategies Implemented by City
Parks Staff in the Northwest,” which are
also available from NCAP’s website at:
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html or by mail.
It’s a good idea to bring these reports with you
to your first meeting to share with parks staff.
The second goal of this meeting is to learn
who ultimately makes the decision about
establishing pesticide-free parks. Is this the
parks director, the parks maintenance manager,
the parks board, or the city council?
A third goal for the meeting is to determine
what is needed to establish a program. Will
you need to demonstrate that the community
is supportive? If so, let the staff you are
meeting with know you’ll be gathering petition
signatures to provide to the person or elected
body who will make the decision. Find out if
they would like you to provide community
input about which parks could be good starting
points.
Non-herbicidal Weed Control
Strategies reports, produced by
NCAP, help parks managers share
peer-to-peer strategies with each
other.
Non-herbicidal Weed Control Strategies
Implemented by City Parks Staff in the
Northwest: Maintaining Turf
Samantha Chirillo
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
CAMELBACK PARK
BOISE
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--7
3. IDENTIFY AND MEET WITH PARKS STAFF
TO MEASURE SUPPORT FOR YOUR GOALS
The primary goal of this first meeting is to
determine the level of support you have from
the parks department. Is the staff opposed to the
idea or receptive to implementing a pesticidefree
parks program? If staff members aren’t
supportive, they will need some convincing,
so providing information and examples
will be helpful. NCAP has created a report
titled, “Pesticide-free Parks: It’s Time!”
which is available from NCAP’s website at
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html or by mail. It
includes convincing and important reasons to
establish a pesticide-free parks program. You
can bring a copy of this report to the meeting.
Providing city staff with examples of
other cities that have implemented pesticidefree
parks programs and their success stories
will help parks staff understand the pesticidefree
parks movement is growing and they
should be part of the movement. NCAP has
also created a document titled “Pesticidefree
Parks Programs in the Northwest,”
which provides information about most of
the programs. This report is available at
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html or by mail. Share
this information with parks staff.
Find out who would be responsible for
implementing a pesticide-free parks program
within the parks department and contact them
to set up a meeting. This will usually be the
parks director in a smaller city or the parks
maintenance manager in a larger city. It’s
important to have more than one community
member attend this meeting so the person
you’re meeting with understands this is not a
one-person effort, but that a large part of the
community wants pesticide-free parks. Keep
the group at this first meeting small so you don’t
overwhelm the staff person you are meeting
with, as s/he may be defensive. Approach this
meeting with a friendly attitude to learn more
about whom you will be working with.
Remember, the term “pesticides” includes
herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Most
parks departments in the northwest don’t use
insecticides or fungicides, so the focus of this
conversation will be focused on herbicides
and controlling weeds.
Weeds in this shrub bed are
controlled with mulch made of
wood chips.
6--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
NCAP has created a series of reports
highlighting pesticide-free parks maintenance
strategies used by parks staff in the
Northwest titled, “Non-herbicidal Weed
Control Strategies Implemented by City
Parks Staff in the Northwest,” which are
also available from NCAP’s website at:
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html or by mail.
It’s a good idea to bring these reports with you
to your first meeting to share with parks staff.
The second goal of this meeting is to learn
who ultimately makes the decision about
establishing pesticide-free parks. Is this the
parks director, the parks maintenance manager,
the parks board, or the city council?
A third goal for the meeting is to determine
what is needed to establish a program. Will
you need to demonstrate that the community
is supportive? If so, let the staff you are
meeting with know you’ll be gathering petition
signatures to provide to the person or elected
body who will make the decision. Find out if
they would like you to provide community
input about which parks could be good starting
points.
Non-herbicidal Weed Control
Strategies reports, produced by
NCAP, help parks managers share
peer-to-peer strategies with each
other.
Non-herbicidal Weed Control Strategies
Implemented by City Parks Staff in the
Northwest: Maintaining Turf
Samantha Chirillo
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
CAMELBACK PARK
BOISE
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--7
.
4. GATHER MORE SUPPORT FROM THE
COMMUNITY TO GAIN VISIBILITY AND ADD TO
YOUR NUMBERS
festivals. Circulate volunteer sign-up sheets to
neighbors or friends. Make an announcement
or presentation at a neighborhood association
meeting and/or write an article for the
neighborhood newsletter. You can use the signup
sheets in Appendix B to gather names and
contact information for these new volunteers.
These people can help by distributing petitions,
distributing flyers, writing letters, sending
emails or making phone calls to whoever will
make the decision to establish a program, or in
the case of some volunteer-run programs, they
may help by pulling weeds in the parks.
You might also want to gather the support
and/or endorsement of influential individuals
such as physicians, city councilors, or business
owners. As respected community members,
these folks can add legitimacy to your effort
and show a broader base of support.
NCAP’s Pesticide-free Parks Program
Coordinator, Megan Kemple, talks
with the public at an outreach event
to gather support for Portland’s
pesticide-free parks program.
In order to demonstrate support for the
program, gather names of people who are
supportive of pesticide-free parks. You can use
the sample petition in Appendix A. Petitions are
a great way to demonstrate to decisionmakers
that the community wants pesticide-free
parks. They are also a great way to get input
about which parks people would most like to
see designated pesticide-free. Another way to
gather input at community events is to set up
an easel with a map of all of the city parks.
Ask people to place a colored pushpin on the
park they would most like to see designated
pesticide-free. This can give you a good visual
idea of which parks are a priority.
Gather names of people who want
to help with this effort. You can recruit
volunteers at local community events such
as Earth Day celebrations or natural living
8--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
4. GATHER MORE SUPPORT FROM THE
COMMUNITY TO GAIN VISIBILITY AND ADD TO
YOUR NUMBERS
festivals. Circulate volunteer sign-up sheets to
neighbors or friends. Make an announcement
or presentation at a neighborhood association
meeting and/or write an article for the
neighborhood newsletter. You can use the signup
sheets in Appendix B to gather names and
contact information for these new volunteers.
These people can help by distributing petitions,
distributing flyers, writing letters, sending
emails or making phone calls to whoever will
make the decision to establish a program, or in
the case of some volunteer-run programs, they
may help by pulling weeds in the parks.
You might also want to gather the support
and/or endorsement of influential individuals
such as physicians, city councilors, or business
owners. As respected community members,
these folks can add legitimacy to your effort
and show a broader base of support.
NCAP’s Pesticide-free Parks Program
Coordinator, Megan Kemple, talks
with the public at an outreach event
to gather support for Portland’s
pesticide-free parks program.
In order to demonstrate support for the
program, gather names of people who are
supportive of pesticide-free parks. You can use
the sample petition in Appendix A. Petitions are
a great way to demonstrate to decisionmakers
that the community wants pesticide-free
parks. They are also a great way to get input
about which parks people would most like to
see designated pesticide-free. Another way to
gather input at community events is to set up
an easel with a map of all of the city parks.
Ask people to place a colored pushpin on the
park they would most like to see designated
pesticide-free. This can give you a good visual
idea of which parks are a priority.
Gather names of people who want
to help with this effort. You can recruit
volunteers at local community events such
as Earth Day celebrations or natural living
8--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
.
5. LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN TO INFLUENCE THE
DECISIONMAKERS WHO CAN ESTABLISH THE
DESIRED PROGRAM
Once you’ve determined who has the
authority to make this decision, go through the
process required by the city to create a new
program. This might mean meeting with parks
staff again. You can provide parks staff with
copies of any petition signatures or volunteer
names you’ve gathered.
You may need to address barriers the
staff has identified or any concerns they have
about the program. The city might ask for
information about the costs of creating such a
program. You’ll find a document in Appendix
C with information about potential increases
in cost for parks that are maintained without
the use of pesticides.
Providing contact information for
parks managers in other cities that have
implemented pesticide-free parks programs
may be helpful. This information is available
in NCAP’s document titled, “Pesticide-free
Parks Programs in the Northwest” listed at
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html
You can send out an email message or
postcard to your supporters asking people
to contact decisionmakers expressing their
support for the program. Be sure to ask
community members to send you a copy of
their communications so you know what’s
being said. See a sample letter in Appendix
D.
You may have the opportunity to testify in
front of city council or one of its appointed
bodies. Sample testimony for a city council
meeting is included in Appendix E. Your
group may want to identify the key points
to make and assign them to members of the
group who are the best messengers for those
points. You may want to lobby the city council
Pesticide-free Parks
activists receive the
Rachel Carson Award
for their commitment
to Portland’s
pesticide-free parks
program.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--9
ahead of time so you know which councilors
support the proposal and which do not. Those
who are already in support or who are strongly
opposed don’t need a lot of attention. However,
those who are undecided could be lobbied and
convinced that this is an important issue that
concerns the community. Supportive councilors
might be able to give advice about how to
effectively work with the city council. An
article titled, “Effective Meetings with Elected
Officials,” is available from NCAP’s website at
www.pesticide.org/meetingofficials.pdf.
Consider generating some media to draw
attention to the issue of pesticide-free parks
in your community. Letters to the editor
are easy and can be especially effective.
Encourage people to write a letter to the editor,
expressing support for the program. An article
titled, “Writing an Effective Letter to the
Editor,” is available from NCAP’s website at:
www.pesticide.org/LetterToEd.pdf. Think
about your goal and how you can use the
media to meet your goals. For example, an
effective letter to the editor might end with “I
hope the city council will vote to implement a
pesticide-free parks program at the meeting in
April. The health of our community depends
upon it.”
If you are lobbying other decisionmakers
who are not parks staff, do your best to involve
parks staff so they feel a part of the process
and not as though the program was forced
upon them. The success of your program in
the long term depends upon the support of the
parks staff.
10--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
This is a time to check in with parks
employees and determine what else is needed
to move forward with creating a program.
You may need to address barriers they have
identified or concerns they have about the
program. Work to agree on a process and
timeline for implementing the program.
Here are some questions that you and parks
staff will need to answer together:
What kind of parks shall we start with?
Small neighborhood parks that are used by
kids are a great starting point. Large parks with
large natural areas and/or invasive species can
be difficult to manage with volunteer efforts
or by parks staff with limited resources. Parks
with ball fields can also be difficult to manage
because these large open areas will need to be
weeded by hand.
How many parks shall we start with?
NCAP recommends starting small for success
and adding more parks in time.
Which parks shall we designate? If
petition signers voted for their favorite park,
you can use this data to select your parks.
Which products will and won’t be
allowed? Reach an agreement with parks
staff. Most parks departments in the northwest
don’t use insecticides or fungicides, so this
discussion will mainly be focused on which
herbicides are allowed and which aren’t. In
some programs, no weed control products of
any kind are allowed. In other programs, no
“registered” pesticide products are allowed.
And in other programs, only organically
approved products are allowed. NCAP
recommends being flexible. Parks staff may
be more likely to take on the maintenance if
they have the flexibility to use organically
approved products. Some programs have also
included emergency exceptions. See Appendix
F for an example of exception language.
Who will manage weeds in the parks?
Will parks staff be responsible for maintaining
the parks without pesticides or will volunteers
be responsible for replacing the use of pesticides
(specifically weed killers) with people power?
Some pros and cons of volunteer-run programs
are explored on page 5.
How will weeds be managed? Will weeds
be managed by hand? What kind of equipment
will be used?
What kind of signage will be posted?
Posting a sign that the park is designated
pesticide-free is important for community
visibility and education, and it gives credit to
the parks staff for implementing this important
program. Two examples are included on the
following page:
5. LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN TO INFLUENCE THE
DECISIONMAKERS WHO CAN ESTABLISH THE
DESIRED PROGRAM
Once you’ve determined who has the
authority to make this decision, go through the
process required by the city to create a new
program. This might mean meeting with parks
staff again. You can provide parks staff with
copies of any petition signatures or volunteer
names you’ve gathered.
You may need to address barriers the
staff has identified or any concerns they have
about the program. The city might ask for
information about the costs of creating such a
program. You’ll find a document in Appendix
C with information about potential increases
in cost for parks that are maintained without
the use of pesticides.
Providing contact information for
parks managers in other cities that have
implemented pesticide-free parks programs
may be helpful. This information is available
in NCAP’s document titled, “Pesticide-free
Parks Programs in the Northwest” listed at
www.pesticide.org/pfp.html
You can send out an email message or
postcard to your supporters asking people
to contact decisionmakers expressing their
support for the program. Be sure to ask
community members to send you a copy of
their communications so you know what’s
being said. See a sample letter in Appendix
D.
You may have the opportunity to testify in
front of city council or one of its appointed
bodies. Sample testimony for a city council
meeting is included in Appendix E. Your
group may want to identify the key points
to make and assign them to members of the
group who are the best messengers for those
points. You may want to lobby the city council
Pesticide-free Parks
activists receive the
Rachel Carson Award
for their commitment
to Portland’s
pesticide-free parks
program.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--9
ahead of time so you know which councilors
support the proposal and which do not. Those
who are already in support or who are strongly
opposed don’t need a lot of attention. However,
those who are undecided could be lobbied and
convinced that this is an important issue that
concerns the community. Supportive councilors
might be able to give advice about how to
effectively work with the city council. An
article titled, “Effective Meetings with Elected
Officials,” is available from NCAP’s website at
www.pesticide.org/meetingofficials.pdf.
Consider generating some media to draw
attention to the issue of pesticide-free parks
in your community. Letters to the editor
are easy and can be especially effective.
Encourage people to write a letter to the editor,
expressing support for the program. An article
titled, “Writing an Effective Letter to the
Editor,” is available from NCAP’s website at:
www.pesticide.org/LetterToEd.pdf. Think
about your goal and how you can use the
media to meet your goals. For example, an
effective letter to the editor might end with “I
hope the city council will vote to implement a
pesticide-free parks program at the meeting in
April. The health of our community depends
upon it.”
If you are lobbying other decisionmakers
who are not parks staff, do your best to involve
parks staff so they feel a part of the process
and not as though the program was forced
upon them. The success of your program in
the long term depends upon the support of the
parks staff.
10--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
This is a time to check in with parks
employees and determine what else is needed
to move forward with creating a program.
You may need to address barriers they have
identified or concerns they have about the
program. Work to agree on a process and
timeline for implementing the program.
Here are some questions that you and parks
staff will need to answer together:
What kind of parks shall we start with?
Small neighborhood parks that are used by
kids are a great starting point. Large parks with
large natural areas and/or invasive species can
be difficult to manage with volunteer efforts
or by parks staff with limited resources. Parks
with ball fields can also be difficult to manage
because these large open areas will need to be
weeded by hand.
How many parks shall we start with?
NCAP recommends starting small for success
and adding more parks in time.
Which parks shall we designate? If
petition signers voted for their favorite park,
you can use this data to select your parks.
Which products will and won’t be
allowed? Reach an agreement with parks
staff. Most parks departments in the northwest
don’t use insecticides or fungicides, so this
discussion will mainly be focused on which
herbicides are allowed and which aren’t. In
some programs, no weed control products of
any kind are allowed. In other programs, no
“registered” pesticide products are allowed.
And in other programs, only organically
approved products are allowed. NCAP
recommends being flexible. Parks staff may
be more likely to take on the maintenance if
they have the flexibility to use organically
approved products. Some programs have also
included emergency exceptions. See Appendix
F for an example of exception language.
Who will manage weeds in the parks?
Will parks staff be responsible for maintaining
the parks without pesticides or will volunteers
be responsible for replacing the use of pesticides
(specifically weed killers) with people power?
Some pros and cons of volunteer-run programs
are explored on page 5.
How will weeds be managed? Will weeds
be managed by hand? What kind of equipment
will be used?
What kind of signage will be posted?
Posting a sign that the park is designated
pesticide-free is important for community
visibility and education, and it gives credit to
the parks staff for implementing this important
program. Two examples are included on the
following page:
.
6. ONCE THE PROGRAM CONCEPT IS
APPROVED, WORK WITH PARKS STAFF TO
DESIGN A PROGRAM THAT HAS COMMUNITY
AND AGENCY SUPPORT
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--11
This Pesticide-free Zone sign
is not as sturdy but costs only
$5 and can be hung on a post
or fence. Pesticide-free Zone
signs can be ordered from
Marin Beyond Pesticides at
http://www.pesticidefreezone.org/.
The sign pictured above
was created by Portland
Parks and Recreation
and installed in their
parks.
12--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
.
6. ONCE THE PROGRAM CONCEPT IS
APPROVED, WORK WITH PARKS STAFF TO
DESIGN A PROGRAM THAT HAS COMMUNITY
AND AGENCY SUPPORT
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--11
This Pesticide-free Zone sign
is not as sturdy but costs only
$5 and can be hung on a post
or fence. Pesticide-free Zone
signs can be ordered from
Marin Beyond Pesticides at
http://www.pesticidefreezone.org/.
The sign pictured above
was created by Portland
Parks and Recreation
and installed in their
parks.
12--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
.
7. PUT THE PROGRAM IN WRITING
Once you’ve answered the questions on
page 11, work with the parks staff to write
up an agreement stating that the parks will be
maintained without the use of pesticides. Be
sure to reach an agreement with parks staff
about how the program will be implemented.
A sample agreement between a community
group and a parks department is included
in Appendix G. If your group has offered
to provide services, you can outline your
This sign post and tree well were
mulched to control weeds after
Arbor Lodge Park was designated
pesticide-free.
responsibilities and the responsibilities of the
parks staff in this agreement.
Once you are ready to implement the
program, parks staff will need to make a formal
decision to designate specific parks pesticidefree
and notify maintenance workers that they
cannot apply pesticides in these parks. Signage
should be installed in the pesticide-free parks
at this time, or soon after.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--13
This volunteer spreads
mulch around newly
planted native plants to
control weeds.
Volunteers spread mulch
around tree wells to control
weeds in Arbor Lodge Park
in Portland.
8. TRAIN AND SUPPORT YOUR PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERS
If volunteers will be replacing the use of
pesticides with people power in your parks,
you might consider holding monthly work
parties. A sample flyer for pesticide-free
parks work parties is included in Appendix
H. Consider designating a “key volunteer”
for each park. This person is responsible
for attending work parties and giving other
volunteers instruction.
Ideally, the parks department will provide
tools. Volunteers who operate power tools,
such as flame weeders, will probably require
extra training. Consider creating a maintenance
handbook for volunteers that provides clear
parks maintenance standards with descriptions
and photographs, if possible.
A successful volunteer program requires
reminder emails and phone calls about
upcoming volunteer events. Providing
snacks and appreciating your volunteers is
important.
14--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
NCAP staff and members gather at
a Pesticide-free Parks Celebration
at Lair Hill Park in Portland.
.
Once you’ve answered the questions on
page 11, work with the parks staff to write
up an agreement stating that the parks will be
maintained without the use of pesticides. Be
sure to reach an agreement with parks staff
about how the program will be implemented.
A sample agreement between a community
group and a parks department is included
in Appendix G. If your group has offered
to provide services, you can outline your
This sign post and tree well were
mulched to control weeds after
Arbor Lodge Park was designated
pesticide-free.
responsibilities and the responsibilities of the
parks staff in this agreement.
Once you are ready to implement the
program, parks staff will need to make a formal
decision to designate specific parks pesticidefree
and notify maintenance workers that they
cannot apply pesticides in these parks. Signage
should be installed in the pesticide-free parks
at this time, or soon after.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--13
This volunteer spreads
mulch around newly
planted native plants to
control weeds.
Volunteers spread mulch
around tree wells to control
weeds in Arbor Lodge Park
in Portland.
8. TRAIN AND SUPPORT YOUR PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERS
If volunteers will be replacing the use of
pesticides with people power in your parks,
you might consider holding monthly work
parties. A sample flyer for pesticide-free
parks work parties is included in Appendix
H. Consider designating a “key volunteer”
for each park. This person is responsible
for attending work parties and giving other
volunteers instruction.
Ideally, the parks department will provide
tools. Volunteers who operate power tools,
such as flame weeders, will probably require
extra training. Consider creating a maintenance
handbook for volunteers that provides clear
parks maintenance standards with descriptions
and photographs, if possible.
A successful volunteer program requires
reminder emails and phone calls about
upcoming volunteer events. Providing
snacks and appreciating your volunteers is
important.
14--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
NCAP staff and members gather at
a Pesticide-free Parks Celebration
at Lair Hill Park in Portland.
.
9. PLAN A COMMUNITY EVENT WITH PARKS
STAFF TO KICK OFF THE PROGRAM AND
CELEBRATE!
Celebrate the new program by holding a
kick-off event. This celebration might include
organic snacks, a native plant giveaway,
demonstrations of pesticide-free techniques
and information about the new pesticide-free
parks program. Notify community members
who have expressed interest or support for
the program via email or with a postcard
announcement. Post an announcement to
your local natural food store’s newsletter or
bulletin board. A sample kick-off celebration
announcement is in Appendix I. Contact
your local newspaper(s), radio and television
stations to secure media coverage for your
new program. Media coverage is extremely
important for building community interest in
the program and visibility. Many public radio
stations host community event calendars on
their website. A sample news release is in
Appendix J.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--15
STAFF TO KICK OFF THE PROGRAM AND
CELEBRATE!
Celebrate the new program by holding a
kick-off event. This celebration might include
organic snacks, a native plant giveaway,
demonstrations of pesticide-free techniques
and information about the new pesticide-free
parks program. Notify community members
who have expressed interest or support for
the program via email or with a postcard
announcement. Post an announcement to
your local natural food store’s newsletter or
bulletin board. A sample kick-off celebration
announcement is in Appendix I. Contact
your local newspaper(s), radio and television
stations to secure media coverage for your
new program. Media coverage is extremely
important for building community interest in
the program and visibility. Many public radio
stations host community event calendars on
their website. A sample news release is in
Appendix J.
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--15
.
10. MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR
PROGRAM
Once your program is in place, stay in
touch with parks staff and periodically evaluate
how the program is going. Schedule periodic
check-ins. Regular evaluation of the program
will ensure the problems are addressed and
adjustments are made, if necessary. If a
decisionmaking body authorized the program,
be sure to keep its members informed and
updated on how things are going. If the
program is a pilot or trial project, written
evaluation will be helpful when it comes time
to make the program permanent.
If things are going well after the first year,
consider expanding the program to include
more parks. Set up another meeting with
parks staff. Determine whether parks staff
is supportive of expanding the program and
what will be needed to make this happen.
This is also a time to identify any barriers
to expanding the program, such as increased
costs, concerns about aesthetics or safety
issues. Once you’ve identified what is needed
to expand the program, identify who will move
forward with each of these tasks and create a
timeline.
Parks Commissioner Dan
Saltzman announces the
success and expansion
of Portland’s pesticidefree
parks program at
NCAP’s 30th Anniversary
Celebration.
16--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
NCAP IS A RESOURCE FOR YOU
The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) can help your group to
strategize and create a plan. We can also provide you with helpful materials. This toolkit is meant
to cover the basics and provide you with most of the materials you need, but you can contact us at
(541) 344-5044 for additional guidance and support.
NCAP’s website has a number of valuable documents, including:
1) “Pesticide-free Parks: It’s Time!”
2) “Pesticide-free Parks Programs in the Northwest”
3) “Non-herbicidal Weed Control Strategies Implemented by City Parks Staff in the Northwest,”
a series of reports.
All of the documents are available at www.pesticide.org/pfp.html
NCAP may also be able to email our members and other contacts in your city when your efforts
are new to help you gather support.
NCAP wants this resource to be useful for groups that are working to establish pesticide-free
parks. We welcome your feedback on the steps that worked well and where we could improve the
information here. We especially want to know about your experiences establishing pesticide-free
parks. Contact us at (541) 344-5044 or email us at pesticidefreeparks@pesticide.org.
You are making a difference! Thank you for your commitment to creating a pesticide-free
world!
Non-herbicidal Weed Control Strategies
Implemented by City Parks Staff in the
Northwest: Maintaining Turf
Samantha Chirillo
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
CAMELBACK PARK
BOISE
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--17
Appendix A
Sample Petition
I want my neighborhood park to be
pesticide-free!
Name
(please print)
Address
(please print)
Phone
(please print)
Email
(please print)
My favorite park is:
The information you provide here will only be seen by program coordinators, city officials and NCAP. It will not be shared or sold.
Return Petitions to: NCAP PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440
Questions or for more petitions contact: pesticidefreeparks@pesticide.org (541) 344-5044
Appendix A
Appendix B
Volunteer Sign-up Sheet
I want to volunteer with
pesticide-free parks!
Name Address Phone Email I can help with:
The information you provide here will only be seen by program coordinators, city officials and NCAP. It will not be shared or sold.
Return Petitions to: NCAP PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440
Questions or for more petitions contact: pesticidefreeparks@pesticide.org (541) 344-5044
Appendix B
Appendix C
Potential Increase in Costs for Pesticide-free Programs
Each interested parks department will need to determine the cost of these budget items for its
own department.
SAVINGS:
Staff time to apply pesticides (mostly herbicides) in the parks
Cost of the herbicide product
Cost of any disposable safety equipment
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
Signage identifying the park as pesticide-free
Parks maintenance staff time to manage weeds by hand or with other equipment, OR
ADDITIONAL COSTS for a volunteer-based program:
Parks maintenance staff time:
Regular communication with Pesticide-free Parks volunteers
Development of maintenance standards for volunteers
Attendance at maintenance evaluation meetings
Equipment:
Locking tool box at each pesticide-free park for storing tools
First aid kit for volunteers
Mulch as requested by volunteers (optional)
Tools:
Gloves, wheelbarrow, buckets, clippers, plenty of hand weeding tools, hoola hoes,
hard rake, soft rake, broom, plastic bags for bagging debris, flameweeder & fuel,
other special tools for projects
Appendix C
Appendix D
Sample Letter to Decisionmakers
Dear ______,
I am writing to express my support for a pesticide-free parks program in _____ (city). These
parks will be places where people can go with their children and pets without exposure to toxic
pesticides. The parks will also reduce our impact on the environment and serve as a model for
people to use in their own homes and gardens.
I live near ___ Park (or I frequent ___ Park) and would like it to be designated as pesticidefree.
Cities throughout the northwest including Seattle, Portland, Eugene, Bozeman and Helena
have created pesticide-free parks programs. I hope you work with local residents to create a similar
program in ____.
Sincerely,
Your first and last name
Your address
City, state, zip
Your email
Your phone
Appendix E
Sample Testimony for City Council
My name is… My address is…
I am here to express my support for a pesticide-free parks program in _____ (city). These
parks will be places where people can go with their children and pets without exposure to toxic
pesticides. Pesticide-free parks reduce our impact on the environment and serve as a model for
people to practice using alternatives to pesticides in their own homes and gardens.
I live near [x] park and would like it to be designated as pesticide-free. I would be willing to
volunteer to help maintain this park.
Cities throughout the northwest including Seattle, Portland, Eugene, Bozeman and Helena
have created pesticide-free parks programs. I hope you will consider working with local residents
to create a similar program in ____.
Appendix D, E
Appendix F
Exception Language
Exceptions
____ Parks Department shall not apply any pesticides in the Pesticide-free Parks unless doing
so is required to meet a health and safety requirement. If ___ Parks Department determines that an
application of pesticides is needed, it will be made following standard Integrated Pest Management
Program procedures, which include, but are not limited to, providing notice of the application in
the location where the pesticide is applied. In addition, if pesticide applications are required by
outside agencies to control a significant invasive pest or public health threat, for example gypsy
moth or West Nile Virus, ___ Parks Department shall not be in violation of this Agreement and this
Agreement will remain in effect. In the event these exceptions are required, the ____ (community
group) shall be notified no later than the next business day following an application or after
notification is given to ___ Parks Deparment of an application by an outside agency. When ___
Parks Department is given advance notice of an upcoming application by an outside party ___
(community group) will be notified as soon as possible prior to the application.
Appendix F
Appendix G
Sample Agreement Between Community Group and
Parks Department
Pesticide Free Parks Program Goals
Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) and the Pesticide Free Partners (PFP) desire to undertake
a three-year, three-park trial Pesticide-free Parks Program. Through this program, volunteers will
be recruited and trained by PFP to control weeds as an alternative to using current PP&R practices.
The trial will determine if this is a viable option while meeting the goals listed below. The program
will be evaluated after three years based on specific evaluation criteria.
Through this trial, the parties endeavor to achieve the following mutual goals:
Reduce the use of pesticides in Portland Parks and Recreation by testing an alternative
methodology in three parks.
Provide a pesticide-free alternative to park users, while still supporting normal use of the
park.
Continue to search for opportunities to reduce pesticide use wherever feasible.
PP&R specific goals:
Determine whether the community actively supports the replacement of pesticide use in
selective parks by volunteering on a regular basis to control weeds.
Determine the financial impact of the program related to program costs and benefits and
bureau priorities.
Determine which, if any, specific park maintenance methodologies used in this program are
applicable to maintenance in other Portland parks.
In Pesticide-free Parks, continue to have a functional and standard appearance comparable
to other similar PP&R developed parks, unless otherwise agreed upon, and continued support
by neighbors and the community.
PFP specific goals:
Make the surrounding community more conscious of their own pesticide use and the need
to minimize it, by modeling alternative methods and through educational materials, alternatives
demonstrations and work parties.
Provide a model for Pesticide-free Parks programs in other cities.
Continue and expand the program based on success.
Educate and involve community members through the program.
The Pesticide Free Partners meaningfully contribute to the success of the program.
Appendix G
AGREEMENT
Pesticide-free Parks Program
Pesticide Free Partners, City of Portland Parks and Recreation
This Agreement, entered into this 9th day of January 2006 is by and between the City of
Portland, acting through Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R), and the Pesticide Free Partners
(PFP), a coalition of non-profits with shared goals. PP&R and PFP (the “parties”) desire to undertake
a three-year three-park trial Pesticide Free Park Program (the “Program”). The Program will be
evaluated after three years based on specific evaluation criteria (see Appendix C).
Duration of Agreement
Portland Parks and Recreation and the Pesticide Free Partners began implementing the Program
starting October 1, 2004. The three-year trial period will end October 1, 2007. The parties may
agree to renew and expand this program on an annual basis thereafter.
Park Locations
The parties agree that the three parks selected for the Program are Sewallcrest Park (does not
include Sewallcrest Community Garden), Arbor Lodge Park, and Lair Hill Park (the “Pesticide
Free Parks”).
Points of Contact
Portland Parks & Recreation’s primary contact for this project is:
Name:
Phone:
Address:
Pesticide Free Partners’ primary contact for this project is:
Name: Megan Kemple
Phone: (541) 344-5044 ext. 17
Address: PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440-1393
Notice
Any notice provided for under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and delivered
personally to the following addressee or deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid,
certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows, or to such other address as the
receiving party hereafter shall specify in writing:
Appendix G
If to the City: City Nature Manager
Portland Parks and Recreation
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1302
Portland, OR 97204
With a copy to: Property Manager
Portland Parks and Recreation
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1302
Portland, OR 97204
If to PFP: Pesticide-free Parks Program Coordinator
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440-1393
Insurance
As volunteers for PP&R, PFP volunteers are covered by the policies that apply to all volunteer
workers. To ensure that they are aware of coverage in the event of accident or injury while doing
volunteer work, all individual volunteers must annually sign a PP&R Insurance Information
for Volunteers form prior to beginning work. PFP shall not be liable for accident, injury, health
insurance or any other claims by volunteers while the volunteers are performing work as assigned
for PP&R in Pesticide Free Parks.
Exceptions
PP&R shall not apply any pesticides in the three Pesticide Free Parks unless doing so is required
to meet a health and safety requirement. If PP&R determines that an application of pesticide is
needed, it will be made following standard PP&R Integrated Pest Management Program procedures,
which include, but are not limited to, providing notice of the application in the location where
the pesticide is applied. In addition, if pesticide applications are required by outside agencies to
control a significant invasive pest or public health threat, for example gypsy moth or West Nile
Virus, PP&R shall not be in violation of this Agreement and this Agreement will remain in effect.
In the event these exceptions are required, the PFP shall be notified no later than the next business
day following an application or after notification is given to PP&R of an application by an outside
agency. When PP&R is given advance notice of an upcoming application by an outside party PFP
will be notified as soon as possible prior to the application.
continued
Appendix G
Extent of Agreement and Modification
This Agreement, together with all the appendices, represents the entire agreement between the
parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral.
This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument properly signed by both parties as
defined in the Notices (Section 4).
Early Termination of Agreement
It is the intent and expectation of the parties that this Agreement, and the ongoing relationship
between the parties, shall continue in effect for the full Term of this Agreement. Nonetheless, the
parties recognize that unforeseen circumstances conceivably could arise that would require one or
the other of them to terminate this Agreement.
Either party may terminate this Agreement with thirty (30) days written notice to the other
party for any reason deemed appropriate in either party’s discretion.
Either party may terminate this Agreement in the event of a breach of the Agreement by the
other. Prior to such termination, however, the party seeking the termination shall give to the other
party written notice of the breach and of the party’s intent to terminate. If the party has not entirely
cured the breach within thirty (30) days of the notice, then the party giving the notice may terminate
the Agreement at any time thereafter by giving a written notice of termination.
In the event this Agreement is terminated under subsection A or B of this section, the parties
shall have no further liability or responsibility toward one another. Nothing in this Section shall
absolve either party of any responsibility or liability accruing before such termination.
Ongoing Assessment
The parties agree that the Pesticide Free Parks will be evaluated on an annual basis; through this
program assessment, changes for the following year will be identified, including potential location
changes, and this Agreement and/or its attachments will be modified to reflect the changes.
Evaluation of Success after 3 Years
The parties will evaluate the program’s success after three years based on the evaluation
criteria laid out in Appendix C. The evaluation points include whether this program is suitable and
sustainable for application in other parks and under what circumstances; and whether aspects of
this approach can be integrated into overall maintenance efforts throughout our system.
continued
Appendix G
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Permit to be executed in duplicate on
the dates shown below.
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides will be signing the agreement on behalf of
PFP
NORTHWEST COALITION FOR ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES
___________________ ________________
Norma Grier Date
Executive Director
CITY OF PORTLAND, BUREAU OF PARKS AND RECREATION
___________________ ________________
Zari Santner Date
Director of Parks and Recreation
APPROVED AS TO FORM
______________________
Chief Deputy City Attorney
Appendix G
Appendix H
Work Party Announcement
Volunteer at a Monthly Pesticide-free Parks Work Party
Arbor Lodge Park, N Bryant & Greeley, First Saturday 9am-noon
Lair Hill Park, SW Second & Woods, First Saturday 11am-1pm
Sewallcrest Park, SE 31st and Market, First Sunday 10am-noon
Snacks, gloves and tools will be provided.
We’ll be replacing the use of pesticides by weeding in the park.
The success of this program depends on volunteers like you!
For more information contact: Megan Kemple.
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
(503) 423-7549 portland@pesticide.org
http://www.pesticide.org/
Appendix I
Kick-off Celebration Announcement
Please join Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides in celebrating the launch of the
City of Eugene’s Pesticide-free Parks Program!
Pesticide-free Parks Kick-off Celebration!
Saturday, June 3rd 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Scobert Park 1180 West 4th Ave.
There will be snacks, kids’ activities, and native plants to give away.
Parks staff will demonstrate pesticide-free techniques.
Come learn more about the new Pesticide-Free Parks program!
For more information contact: Megan Kemple at NCAP 344-5044 mkemple@pesticide.org
Appendix H, I
Appendix J
News Release
(date)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Finney, City of Eugene Parks Maintenance Manager at 682-4809
Megan Kemple, NCAP Pesticide-free Parks Program Coordinator at 344-5044
City of Eugene Launches Pesticide-Free Parks Pilot Program
(Eugene) The City of Eugene is joining cities across the northwest including Portland and
Seattle as it launches its first pesticide-free parks pilot program this Saturday, June 3rd at Scobert
Park. The city has chosen five parks to be maintained without the use of pesticides during the oneyear
pilot program. Alternative methods such as flame weeding, hand weeding, and mulching will
be used to control weeds in the selected parks.
The overuse and misuse of pesticides is a significant source of chemicals finding their way
into local rivers, lakes, and other natural systems. The city’s pesticide-free parks program will be
a showcase for the many alternative methods that are available to solve pest problems and it is
hoped the program will encourage community members to consider these alternatives to pesticides
in their own backyard. If successful in its first year, the pilot program will be extended and could
be expanded to include more parks in the future.
http://www.pesticide.org/get-the-facts/ncap-publications-and-reports/pesticide-free-parks/pfptoolkit-lowres.pdf
Five neighborhood parks from five of Eugene’s six park districts were selected for the pilot
program: Awbrey, Berkeley, Scobert Gardens, Shadow Wood, and Gilbert.
The Eugene Parks and Open Space Division and the Northwest Coalition of Alternatives to
Pesticides (NCAP) will host a kick off celebration this Saturday, June 3rd from 12:00 p.m. to
3:00 p.m. in Scobert Park located at 1180 West 4th Avenue. There will be live demonstrations of
pesticide-free techniques, native plant giveaways, and children’s activities.
Kevin Finney, Parks and Open Space Parks Maintenance Manager says, “Park maintenance
staff have been trialing alternative methods and developing new approaches to pest control in our
parks for several years. We are excited to partner with NCAP to raise community awareness of the
issues around pesticide use.”
Megan Kemple, NCAP’s Public Education Coordinator says, “People want pesticide-free
parks. They want places they can go with their children and pets where they won’t be exposed to
pesticides.”
PHOTO OPP: Saturday, June 3 at 12-3 p.m. at Scobert Park, 1180 W. 4th Ave.
####
Appendix J
10. MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR
PROGRAM
Once your program is in place, stay in
touch with parks staff and periodically evaluate
how the program is going. Schedule periodic
check-ins. Regular evaluation of the program
will ensure the problems are addressed and
adjustments are made, if necessary. If a
decisionmaking body authorized the program,
be sure to keep its members informed and
updated on how things are going. If the
program is a pilot or trial project, written
evaluation will be helpful when it comes time
to make the program permanent.
If things are going well after the first year,
consider expanding the program to include
more parks. Set up another meeting with
parks staff. Determine whether parks staff
is supportive of expanding the program and
what will be needed to make this happen.
This is also a time to identify any barriers
to expanding the program, such as increased
costs, concerns about aesthetics or safety
issues. Once you’ve identified what is needed
to expand the program, identify who will move
forward with each of these tasks and create a
timeline.
Parks Commissioner Dan
Saltzman announces the
success and expansion
of Portland’s pesticidefree
parks program at
NCAP’s 30th Anniversary
Celebration.
16--Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks
NCAP IS A RESOURCE FOR YOU
The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) can help your group to
strategize and create a plan. We can also provide you with helpful materials. This toolkit is meant
to cover the basics and provide you with most of the materials you need, but you can contact us at
(541) 344-5044 for additional guidance and support.
NCAP’s website has a number of valuable documents, including:
1) “Pesticide-free Parks: It’s Time!”
2) “Pesticide-free Parks Programs in the Northwest”
3) “Non-herbicidal Weed Control Strategies Implemented by City Parks Staff in the Northwest,”
a series of reports.
All of the documents are available at www.pesticide.org/pfp.html
NCAP may also be able to email our members and other contacts in your city when your efforts
are new to help you gather support.
NCAP wants this resource to be useful for groups that are working to establish pesticide-free
parks. We welcome your feedback on the steps that worked well and where we could improve the
information here. We especially want to know about your experiences establishing pesticide-free
parks. Contact us at (541) 344-5044 or email us at pesticidefreeparks@pesticide.org.
You are making a difference! Thank you for your commitment to creating a pesticide-free
world!
Non-herbicidal Weed Control Strategies
Implemented by City Parks Staff in the
Northwest: Maintaining Turf
Samantha Chirillo
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
CAMELBACK PARK
BOISE
Ten Steps to Pesticide-free Parks--17
Appendix A
Sample Petition
I want my neighborhood park to be
pesticide-free!
Name
(please print)
Address
(please print)
Phone
(please print)
(please print)
My favorite park is:
The information you provide here will only be seen by program coordinators, city officials and NCAP. It will not be shared or sold.
Return Petitions to: NCAP PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440
Questions or for more petitions contact: pesticidefreeparks@pesticide.org (541) 344-5044
Appendix A
Appendix B
Volunteer Sign-up Sheet
I want to volunteer with
pesticide-free parks!
Name Address Phone Email I can help with:
The information you provide here will only be seen by program coordinators, city officials and NCAP. It will not be shared or sold.
Return Petitions to: NCAP PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440
Questions or for more petitions contact: pesticidefreeparks@pesticide.org (541) 344-5044
Appendix B
Appendix C
Potential Increase in Costs for Pesticide-free Programs
Each interested parks department will need to determine the cost of these budget items for its
own department.
SAVINGS:
Staff time to apply pesticides (mostly herbicides) in the parks
Cost of the herbicide product
Cost of any disposable safety equipment
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
Signage identifying the park as pesticide-free
Parks maintenance staff time to manage weeds by hand or with other equipment, OR
ADDITIONAL COSTS for a volunteer-based program:
Parks maintenance staff time:
Regular communication with Pesticide-free Parks volunteers
Development of maintenance standards for volunteers
Attendance at maintenance evaluation meetings
Equipment:
Locking tool box at each pesticide-free park for storing tools
First aid kit for volunteers
Mulch as requested by volunteers (optional)
Tools:
Gloves, wheelbarrow, buckets, clippers, plenty of hand weeding tools, hoola hoes,
hard rake, soft rake, broom, plastic bags for bagging debris, flameweeder & fuel,
other special tools for projects
Appendix C
Appendix D
Sample Letter to Decisionmakers
Dear ______,
I am writing to express my support for a pesticide-free parks program in _____ (city). These
parks will be places where people can go with their children and pets without exposure to toxic
pesticides. The parks will also reduce our impact on the environment and serve as a model for
people to use in their own homes and gardens.
I live near ___ Park (or I frequent ___ Park) and would like it to be designated as pesticidefree.
Cities throughout the northwest including Seattle, Portland, Eugene, Bozeman and Helena
have created pesticide-free parks programs. I hope you work with local residents to create a similar
program in ____.
Sincerely,
Your first and last name
Your address
City, state, zip
Your email
Your phone
Appendix E
Sample Testimony for City Council
My name is… My address is…
I am here to express my support for a pesticide-free parks program in _____ (city). These
parks will be places where people can go with their children and pets without exposure to toxic
pesticides. Pesticide-free parks reduce our impact on the environment and serve as a model for
people to practice using alternatives to pesticides in their own homes and gardens.
I live near [x] park and would like it to be designated as pesticide-free. I would be willing to
volunteer to help maintain this park.
Cities throughout the northwest including Seattle, Portland, Eugene, Bozeman and Helena
have created pesticide-free parks programs. I hope you will consider working with local residents
to create a similar program in ____.
Appendix D, E
Appendix F
Exception Language
Exceptions
____ Parks Department shall not apply any pesticides in the Pesticide-free Parks unless doing
so is required to meet a health and safety requirement. If ___ Parks Department determines that an
application of pesticides is needed, it will be made following standard Integrated Pest Management
Program procedures, which include, but are not limited to, providing notice of the application in
the location where the pesticide is applied. In addition, if pesticide applications are required by
outside agencies to control a significant invasive pest or public health threat, for example gypsy
moth or West Nile Virus, ___ Parks Department shall not be in violation of this Agreement and this
Agreement will remain in effect. In the event these exceptions are required, the ____ (community
group) shall be notified no later than the next business day following an application or after
notification is given to ___ Parks Deparment of an application by an outside agency. When ___
Parks Department is given advance notice of an upcoming application by an outside party ___
(community group) will be notified as soon as possible prior to the application.
Appendix F
Appendix G
Sample Agreement Between Community Group and
Parks Department
Pesticide Free Parks Program Goals
Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) and the Pesticide Free Partners (PFP) desire to undertake
a three-year, three-park trial Pesticide-free Parks Program. Through this program, volunteers will
be recruited and trained by PFP to control weeds as an alternative to using current PP&R practices.
The trial will determine if this is a viable option while meeting the goals listed below. The program
will be evaluated after three years based on specific evaluation criteria.
Through this trial, the parties endeavor to achieve the following mutual goals:
Reduce the use of pesticides in Portland Parks and Recreation by testing an alternative
methodology in three parks.
Provide a pesticide-free alternative to park users, while still supporting normal use of the
park.
Continue to search for opportunities to reduce pesticide use wherever feasible.
PP&R specific goals:
Determine whether the community actively supports the replacement of pesticide use in
selective parks by volunteering on a regular basis to control weeds.
Determine the financial impact of the program related to program costs and benefits and
bureau priorities.
Determine which, if any, specific park maintenance methodologies used in this program are
applicable to maintenance in other Portland parks.
In Pesticide-free Parks, continue to have a functional and standard appearance comparable
to other similar PP&R developed parks, unless otherwise agreed upon, and continued support
by neighbors and the community.
PFP specific goals:
Make the surrounding community more conscious of their own pesticide use and the need
to minimize it, by modeling alternative methods and through educational materials, alternatives
demonstrations and work parties.
Provide a model for Pesticide-free Parks programs in other cities.
Continue and expand the program based on success.
Educate and involve community members through the program.
The Pesticide Free Partners meaningfully contribute to the success of the program.
Appendix G
AGREEMENT
Pesticide-free Parks Program
Pesticide Free Partners, City of Portland Parks and Recreation
This Agreement, entered into this 9th day of January 2006 is by and between the City of
Portland, acting through Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R), and the Pesticide Free Partners
(PFP), a coalition of non-profits with shared goals. PP&R and PFP (the “parties”) desire to undertake
a three-year three-park trial Pesticide Free Park Program (the “Program”). The Program will be
evaluated after three years based on specific evaluation criteria (see Appendix C).
Duration of Agreement
Portland Parks and Recreation and the Pesticide Free Partners began implementing the Program
starting October 1, 2004. The three-year trial period will end October 1, 2007. The parties may
agree to renew and expand this program on an annual basis thereafter.
Park Locations
The parties agree that the three parks selected for the Program are Sewallcrest Park (does not
include Sewallcrest Community Garden), Arbor Lodge Park, and Lair Hill Park (the “Pesticide
Free Parks”).
Points of Contact
Portland Parks & Recreation’s primary contact for this project is:
Name:
Phone:
Address:
Pesticide Free Partners’ primary contact for this project is:
Name: Megan Kemple
Phone: (541) 344-5044 ext. 17
Address: PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440-1393
Notice
Any notice provided for under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and delivered
personally to the following addressee or deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid,
certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows, or to such other address as the
receiving party hereafter shall specify in writing:
Appendix G
If to the City: City Nature Manager
Portland Parks and Recreation
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1302
Portland, OR 97204
With a copy to: Property Manager
Portland Parks and Recreation
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1302
Portland, OR 97204
If to PFP: Pesticide-free Parks Program Coordinator
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
PO Box 1393 Eugene, OR 97440-1393
Insurance
As volunteers for PP&R, PFP volunteers are covered by the policies that apply to all volunteer
workers. To ensure that they are aware of coverage in the event of accident or injury while doing
volunteer work, all individual volunteers must annually sign a PP&R Insurance Information
for Volunteers form prior to beginning work. PFP shall not be liable for accident, injury, health
insurance or any other claims by volunteers while the volunteers are performing work as assigned
for PP&R in Pesticide Free Parks.
Exceptions
PP&R shall not apply any pesticides in the three Pesticide Free Parks unless doing so is required
to meet a health and safety requirement. If PP&R determines that an application of pesticide is
needed, it will be made following standard PP&R Integrated Pest Management Program procedures,
which include, but are not limited to, providing notice of the application in the location where
the pesticide is applied. In addition, if pesticide applications are required by outside agencies to
control a significant invasive pest or public health threat, for example gypsy moth or West Nile
Virus, PP&R shall not be in violation of this Agreement and this Agreement will remain in effect.
In the event these exceptions are required, the PFP shall be notified no later than the next business
day following an application or after notification is given to PP&R of an application by an outside
agency. When PP&R is given advance notice of an upcoming application by an outside party PFP
will be notified as soon as possible prior to the application.
continued
Appendix G
Extent of Agreement and Modification
This Agreement, together with all the appendices, represents the entire agreement between the
parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral.
This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument properly signed by both parties as
defined in the Notices (Section 4).
Early Termination of Agreement
It is the intent and expectation of the parties that this Agreement, and the ongoing relationship
between the parties, shall continue in effect for the full Term of this Agreement. Nonetheless, the
parties recognize that unforeseen circumstances conceivably could arise that would require one or
the other of them to terminate this Agreement.
Either party may terminate this Agreement with thirty (30) days written notice to the other
party for any reason deemed appropriate in either party’s discretion.
Either party may terminate this Agreement in the event of a breach of the Agreement by the
other. Prior to such termination, however, the party seeking the termination shall give to the other
party written notice of the breach and of the party’s intent to terminate. If the party has not entirely
cured the breach within thirty (30) days of the notice, then the party giving the notice may terminate
the Agreement at any time thereafter by giving a written notice of termination.
In the event this Agreement is terminated under subsection A or B of this section, the parties
shall have no further liability or responsibility toward one another. Nothing in this Section shall
absolve either party of any responsibility or liability accruing before such termination.
Ongoing Assessment
The parties agree that the Pesticide Free Parks will be evaluated on an annual basis; through this
program assessment, changes for the following year will be identified, including potential location
changes, and this Agreement and/or its attachments will be modified to reflect the changes.
Evaluation of Success after 3 Years
The parties will evaluate the program’s success after three years based on the evaluation
criteria laid out in Appendix C. The evaluation points include whether this program is suitable and
sustainable for application in other parks and under what circumstances; and whether aspects of
this approach can be integrated into overall maintenance efforts throughout our system.
continued
Appendix G
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Permit to be executed in duplicate on
the dates shown below.
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides will be signing the agreement on behalf of
PFP
NORTHWEST COALITION FOR ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES
___________________ ________________
Norma Grier Date
Executive Director
CITY OF PORTLAND, BUREAU OF PARKS AND RECREATION
___________________ ________________
Zari Santner Date
Director of Parks and Recreation
APPROVED AS TO FORM
______________________
Chief Deputy City Attorney
Appendix G
Appendix H
Work Party Announcement
Volunteer at a Monthly Pesticide-free Parks Work Party
Arbor Lodge Park, N Bryant & Greeley, First Saturday 9am-noon
Lair Hill Park, SW Second & Woods, First Saturday 11am-1pm
Sewallcrest Park, SE 31st and Market, First Sunday 10am-noon
Snacks, gloves and tools will be provided.
We’ll be replacing the use of pesticides by weeding in the park.
The success of this program depends on volunteers like you!
For more information contact: Megan Kemple.
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
(503) 423-7549 portland@pesticide.org
http://www.pesticide.org/
Appendix I
Kick-off Celebration Announcement
Please join Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides in celebrating the launch of the
City of Eugene’s Pesticide-free Parks Program!
Pesticide-free Parks Kick-off Celebration!
Saturday, June 3rd 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Scobert Park 1180 West 4th Ave.
There will be snacks, kids’ activities, and native plants to give away.
Parks staff will demonstrate pesticide-free techniques.
Come learn more about the new Pesticide-Free Parks program!
For more information contact: Megan Kemple at NCAP 344-5044 mkemple@pesticide.org
Appendix H, I
Appendix J
News Release
(date)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Finney, City of Eugene Parks Maintenance Manager at 682-4809
Megan Kemple, NCAP Pesticide-free Parks Program Coordinator at 344-5044
City of Eugene Launches Pesticide-Free Parks Pilot Program
(Eugene) The City of Eugene is joining cities across the northwest including Portland and
Seattle as it launches its first pesticide-free parks pilot program this Saturday, June 3rd at Scobert
Park. The city has chosen five parks to be maintained without the use of pesticides during the oneyear
pilot program. Alternative methods such as flame weeding, hand weeding, and mulching will
be used to control weeds in the selected parks.
The overuse and misuse of pesticides is a significant source of chemicals finding their way
into local rivers, lakes, and other natural systems. The city’s pesticide-free parks program will be
a showcase for the many alternative methods that are available to solve pest problems and it is
hoped the program will encourage community members to consider these alternatives to pesticides
in their own backyard. If successful in its first year, the pilot program will be extended and could
be expanded to include more parks in the future.
http://www.pesticide.org/get-the-facts/ncap-publications-and-reports/pesticide-free-parks/pfptoolkit-lowres.pdf
Five neighborhood parks from five of Eugene’s six park districts were selected for the pilot
program: Awbrey, Berkeley, Scobert Gardens, Shadow Wood, and Gilbert.
The Eugene Parks and Open Space Division and the Northwest Coalition of Alternatives to
Pesticides (NCAP) will host a kick off celebration this Saturday, June 3rd from 12:00 p.m. to
3:00 p.m. in Scobert Park located at 1180 West 4th Avenue. There will be live demonstrations of
pesticide-free techniques, native plant giveaways, and children’s activities.
Kevin Finney, Parks and Open Space Parks Maintenance Manager says, “Park maintenance
staff have been trialing alternative methods and developing new approaches to pest control in our
parks for several years. We are excited to partner with NCAP to raise community awareness of the
issues around pesticide use.”
Megan Kemple, NCAP’s Public Education Coordinator says, “People want pesticide-free
parks. They want places they can go with their children and pets where they won’t be exposed to
pesticides.”
PHOTO OPP: Saturday, June 3 at 12-3 p.m. at Scobert Park, 1180 W. 4th Ave.
####
Appendix J
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