Dear Friends,

 

Sad to say this will be my last Urban Parks Insider! I’m moving on to the next adventure, helping connect kids to nature with a very cool outfit in Minneapolis called Wilderness Inquiry. But, it's been a rollicking good time being in the park world for the past five years. In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to walk, hike, paddle and pedal in some of the most beautiful places in America. I’ve worked with amazing people inside and outside parks and recreation to help address some of the most pressing issues of the day like homelessness and racial equity. I was able to help kick off a national campaign to ensure that all Americans live within a 10-minute walk to a park and see firsthand how leaders in this industry are stepping outside of their comfort zones to make an impact on people’s lives. I believe parks and rec is better positioned, now more than ever, to create a 21st century parks movement that will make all communities in the United States healthier, happier and greener. I look forward to being part of that movement from the outside! 

 

I’ve always believed that the world is full of smart, dedicated and passionate people working day in and day out to make a difference, and working alongside you all has proved that theory true, time and time again. I’m glad to say that I’ll still be playing in the same sandbox as many of you and look forward to future collaborations! In the meantime, thanks for a great run here at NRPA.

Thanks to you all for indulging me by reading my little missives. They’ve been a lot of fun to write. Wishing you and yours Happy New Year, and I look forward to seeing you at the park someday!   

 

Keep in touch,