MARSHALL — The city of Marshall’s “Adopt-a-Park” program has had a successful year, city staff said this week. Community members and groups adopted all 13 of Marshall’s parks, and from April to October they did volunteer work like picking up litter.

“My hopes were to get half the parks adopted. Obviously, we’ve exceeded that,” said Marshall Parks Superintendent Preston Stensrud. While the parks department is still staffed at its normal levels, Adopt-a-Park participants give the city some extra help to keep parks clean, he said. They also help keep an eye out for concerns like vandalism or hazardous items.

“Anytime you can get the extra hands, and extra sets of eyes, it’s going to be beneficial,” he said.

Adopt-a-Park volunteers are responsible for a one-year commitment, Stensrud said. The city provides volunteers with trash bags and pickup for park cleanup events, and participants are responsible for cleaning the parks once a month between April and October.

Participants in the Adopt-a-Park program ranged from individual community members and families to clubs and church groups.

“Liberty Park was adopted by Holy Redeemer youth, and during the summer months the clean-up was handled by a group of children ranging from 1st to 12th grade,” said Becki Johnson. “Taking care of a park they played in helped make them aware of how they should treat their environment when they are at the park so someone else doesn’t have to pick up their garbage. It also empowered them to see the difference they could make in our town, no matter their age.”

Besides keeping parks attractive, picking up litter helps keep trash out of ponds and rivers, and keeps animals from eating litter, city staff said.

“It’s gotten lots of traction, and a lot of good feedback,” Stensrud said of the program. Several community groups who adopted parks this summer have already re-committed for next year, and other community members are reaching out to participate.

“We are very fortunate to have such supportive community members who see the value in taking care of our city parks,” Stensrud said. “On behalf of the city of Marshall, I want to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who chose to dedicate their time and effort to help keep our parks beautiful and clean for everyone to enjoy.”

A registration form for the Adopt-a-Park program is available through the city of Marshall’s website.

In a news release, the city of Marshall said it would like to extend thanks to the following volunteers for their dedication and service to area parks this year:

• City of Marshall Wellness Committee, Legion Field Park

• SWHHS Circle Program, Victory Park

• Stanley Busy Beavers 4-H Club, Archery Park

• Southwest Adult Basic Education, Independence Park

• Shanda Walker and Family, Loyalty Dog Park

• Holy Redeemer Catholic Campus Ministries/Newman Club, Justice Park

• Marshall Adult Community Center, Memorial Park

• Family of the late Hank and Bettie Karlstad, Amateur Sports Complex

• Marshall United Soccer Association, Channel Parkway Complex

• Voigt Family, Patriot Park

• Jamie Brigger, Freedom Park

• Youth of Church of Holy Redeemer, Liberty Park

• Cornerstone Church Troop 320 Pack 320, Allegiance Park