Clear Creek Metro Park will always remind me of a friend who is no longer hiking the steep trails, chatting with the fly fishermen, or enjoying the companionship of friends who share his love of nature. I’ll think of him when I return to this park by driving under a large, leaning, moss-covered boulder that hovers over the main road into the park. That’s a good thing, even if there is a bit of sadness that accompanies the memories. His legacy is the positive impact he had on so may of his hiking, cycling, and generally good time-having friends. The parks were a big part of his story!
There’s no question that I spend more time in the parks in the winter than any other season, though they are all beautifully unique in their own way. Most of my summer and fall visits to the parks are on a bike, via the many bike trails that weave in and out of the parks or connect them to one another. I look forward to more time there in the spring, even after the winter hikes are a wrap.
Like many other parks there are a variety of nature trails and surfaces to walk on – you know, the slippery wet leaves, mossy rocks, decomposing tree roots, and all the rest that nature has to offer. I proceed with caution, with my new-ish bionic right hip.
I’m a friend of the parks; I have been enamored for many years. I have collected the hiking stick and metal medallions for each of the parks since the Friends of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks started hand them out as a reward for hiking all 19 parks during the Winter Hike Series each year. I’d hike just for the hot chocolate and donuts by the bonfire, but the park-specific medallions are an added perk.
This new year I’ve applied to be on the board of Friends of Metro Parks, to gain a bit of board experience, at the recommendation of my professional mentor. I like the idea and have thought about it for some time. I have a lot to offer – a love of the parks, writing/marketing skills, and a passion for bringing people together for the hikes – which could benefit the parks. Interview and selection will be in March. Wish me the best – here are my (sometimes cheeky) answers on the board member application.
Organizational Mission: “The Friends of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance public use and enjoyment of our parks, seek out public support, and advocate for our parks for current and future generations.”
Applicant Job Title: Consultant, Learning & Development
Primary Role on L&D team: Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program Manager Other roles and responsibilities:
- Certified Coach for Korn Ferry 360 assessments and Korn Ferry Leadership Acrhitecture
- CliftonStrengths coaching certification (in progress)
- Wellbeing Champion, WebMD’s Be Well@Red Cross Program
- Inclusive Leadership Foundations – DEI Champion
- Diamond Dog (Intake Team member)
- Team Member Resource Group Member
Why are you interested in becoming a Board Member?
I’ve served in a lot of leadership roles, both professionally and personally. For the last 5 1/2 years my role at American Red Cross has allowed me to mentor, coach, educate, and provide practical training for high-potential leaders in all parts of the organization. I’m also an active member of the Team Member Resource Groups, including the Women’s Resource Group (WRG). When the WRG announced that it was starting its own mentoring program it was my turn to be a mentee. I asked my mentor how I could continue my own professional growth, since I’m so often the teacher. She asked if I had any board experience. I do not. She encouraged me to find an organization I was passionate about and explore board opportunities. Writing, communications and marketing are right up my alley.
Why do you love our Metro Parks and what thing(s) would you like to see to make our parks even better?
Accessibility is very important to me and our parks have immense variety in the ways it can be enjoyed. I have ridden my (4) bikes on the paved paths, strolled through gardens, muddied my hiking books on trails, and even used the parks when recovering from a hip replacement (at 49 yr). I knew wheelchairs are available at Inniswood, not to mention benches, if I needed to rest. Our parks are a perpetual work in progress, so I’d like to see a commitment on the part of the community to invest. I’m willing to do my part to spread the word, so when the parks end up on the ballot the public doesn’t hesitate to vote YES for funding. The parks would be even better with year-over-year increases in public interest.
What is your favorite Metro Park and why?
As a tree lover, a tree hugger, and a tree tattoo wearer, hands down, the parks that have trees in them are my absolute favorite! Does that narrow it down? No? Hmm, well, as a learning & development professional I’m particularly partial to the parks that have nature centers. The living stream at Batelle Darby, the tree display at Blendon Woods, and the tree at the center of the Highbanks nature center are some of the best. But my favorite must be that adorable naturalist-themed (it’s for the birds!) library at Scioto Audubon Metro Park in downtown Columbus. It’s a retreat, a sanctuary, and a place of respite. I want to hang out there, in solitude and peace, watching the birds on the other side of the massive windows. I’ve camped, sledded, walked, and biked there too. I’ve climbed the tower many times, even in the bitter cold, but never the climbing wall. Maybe one day, at sunset, at Scioto Fest.
What personal and/or professional skills or strengths do you have that will help to make this organization successful?
CliftonStrengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253715/34-cliftonstrengths-themes.aspx
My Top 5 Strengths:
- Learner
- Achiever
- Input
- Individualization
- Intellection
What ideas do you have for future programs and events and are you willing to play a leadership role in helping develop and put on such ideas?
A continued (and ever-increasing) focus on events and programs that bring diversity into the parks would be wonderful! Consider ethnic diversity, diversity of gender identity, neurodiversity, international visitors, and ways to encourage visitors with varying levels of physical abilities. So much progress has been made in the last several decades. . . and I eagerly anticipate so much more progress. Organizations like Black Girls Do Bike, Major Taylor Cycling Club, Adaptive Sports Connection ,and Steady Peddlers are organizations making a difference in bringing diversity to the cycling community. Partnership opportunities should be pursued, celebrated, and repeated. It takes a lot of hard work to make all of this happen. In this instance I’m a worker bee — put a phone in my hand or my hands on a keyboard and put me to work using my skills of communication and persuasion. I can ideate to generate creative, viable solutions. I’m a gatherer of information, a connector of people, and a questioner. If it’s not the right time for me to lead I make a fantastic follower.
Other Nonprofit Activities:
- Ride leader and event volunteer for Yay Bikes!
- 5-year employee at Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo
- Blood donor, fundraiser, and leadership development at American Red Cross
- Because I Said I Would – rotating monthly volunteer opportunities
- Tour guide and educator at Stratford Ecological Society
- 3-year employee of Milwaukee Public Museum
As I reflect on the last decade, I have so many wonderful memories at the parks. I’ve written about my adventures there many times, for this blog and as a guest blogger for Friends of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Let’s revisit (many of) those stories!
GUEST BLOGGER: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Friendship Through the Eyes of a Child: Exploring Inniswood Metro Gardens
Smokey Bear: Giving Bear Hugs and Keeping Your Forests Safe
Accidental Wanderlust 