The Parks Foundation has a small but mighty staff of nine, whose work comes together with passion, purpose and excitement to make a positive impact on your nine Allegheny County Parks. As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we’re taking time to reflect on why we care so deeply about the work we do.

Join us as we celebrate what our staff loves about your county parks! Together, our voices paint a beautiful picture of the shared passion and gratitude we feel for these cherished spaces.

“I’m deeply grateful to be able to work to support the beautiful Allegheny County Parks and all they offer to our community. These green spaces provide a peaceful escape from daily life, a place to enjoy nature and countless opportunities for recreation and connection. From scenic trails to family-friendly events, the parks enrich our lives in so many ways. I am especially thankful for all the hardworking park rangers and passionate volunteers I have had to opportunity to connect with through my role.” – Michelle

“I’m thankful that my role at the Parks Foundation fulfills my passion and purpose as a Landscape Architect to create and preserve outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. I love being a Landscape Architect and I love solving problems. I spent many years of my career in land development, which often involved cutting down big, beautiful trees. Now I am helping to coordinate the planting of hundreds of trees every year that future generations of people and animals will be able to enjoy, while also working on many other amazing projects with the County’s Landscape Architects and horticulturalists.” – Nicole

“Following my retirement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I started part-time employment with the Parks Foundation,  I am thankful to have found a perfect fit in this chapter of my life. It’s wonderful to work with a team so dedicated to enhancing and conserving our parks.  Visitors of all ages can enjoy and explore all that our parks offer.  I am grateful to experience the unique natural beauty of our outdoor spaces and continue to be dazzled by the captivating dance of the changing seasons.” – Theresa

“Since joining the Allegheny County Parks Foundation in 2011, my most anticipated and appreciated opportunity has been the ability to plan, design and implement projects in the County’s Regional Park System that make a lasting and positive change. Through the Parks Foundation’s many collaborations, our community gets to enjoy the parks today and so will many generations on future horizons.” – Ron

“The county parks provide me and my family with countless memorable experiences, and I’m proud to give back to them through my work with the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. With North Park just down the road and two young children, my family and I spend a lot of time there. Whether we’re teaching my oldest to ride her bike around the lake loop, kayaking, hiking the many trails, or exploring the Latodami Nature Center, there is always something for us to explore. Preserving, conserving and improving these cherished spaces fills me with so much gratitude.” – Caitlin

“After spending much of my career working in large office buildings looking out at paved parking lots, I’m thankful to come into our offices in Boyce Park where I have the privilege of looking out the window next to my desk to take in the beauty of nature. Whether it’s the open green space, the forest and foliage, or the abundance of different birds and wildlife that I see, it makes me grateful that I have the opportunity to enjoy the parks and help to ensure that they remain vibrant for others to enjoy too.” – Kathy

“I’m deeply grateful for our people for the parks – our dedicated staff, generous supporters, hardworking volunteers, trusted community partners and all who simply love and care for our parks. The parks bring us together in a way few things can. They are a place where everyone belongs and everyone is connected.” – Kait

“I’m thankful for the county parks and my work at the Parks Foundation because they connect me to the green spaces I care so deeply about. I am inspired by our commitment to preserving and conserving the land that nurture both people and wildlife. I love that the same trails that challenge me physically also restore me mentally – there’s nothing quite like that deep, grateful breath of fresh park air to invigorate one’s mind, body and soul.” – Jaime

“I’m thankful for working at the Parks Foundation and the people I get to work with and meet every day in this job. The sense of harmony that comes from working together – whether it be planting trees, restoring a historic structure – it takes all of us working in harmony to ensure these beautiful spaces are here now and into the future for everyone to enjoy.” – Joey-Linn

Every project, partnership and moment spent in the parks reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of this work. What are you grateful for in your parks? Share your story with us and let us know how your county parks make a difference in your life. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Allegheny County Parks Foundation!