We are adding a new feature to our blog and e-news – interviews with Minneapolis Parks Foundation community members who are sharing stories with other Parks Foundation supporters. We hope you’ll enjoy learning about your fellow park enthusiasts. We also want to hear why you believe in the power of parks to transform human life!

Tell us about a favorite childhood memory of being in a park (it doesn’t have to be in Minneapolis).

I grew up a short bike ride away from a waterfront park on Lake Michigan. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve long summer days spent at the park, whether exploring the island, swimming at the beach, or attending a concert. To be allowed to bike to the park – unsupervised – was a rite of passage.

What park experiences do/would you like to share with out-of-town guests?

I typically bring out-of-town guests to Boom Island, the Chain of Lakes area, or Minnehaha Park, depending their plans.

Why do you support the Minneapolis Parks Foundation?

I value the pivotal role parks play in community building. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation does a great job bringing education, philanthropy, and implementation together to support the advancement of our parks through projects like the RiverFirst Initiative and the Next Generation of Parks lecture series.

Why are parks important to Minneapolis?

In addition to our park system contributing to our civic identity, access to parks significantly impacts health and wellbeing. The Parks Foundation’s commitment to equitable investment in neighborhood parks is critical to creating a vibrant future for all Minneapolis residents.

Trails, beaches or playgrounds?

Trails!

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Featured image courtesy Heidi Schmidt