December 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 10

EDITOR'S LET TER

Celebrating Community and People
Nothing quite compares to the expression on
a child's face when he or she sees a brand new
park for the first time, especially when it's located
in a community that has been forgotten or simply ignored. For children living in communities
where open space and playgrounds seem far out
of reach, the opening of a new park is a cause for
celebration and an opportunity to play.
NRPA's Parks Build Community leads the
charge in strengthening local communities by either building a park from scratch or refurbishing
once-neglected parks in underserved areas. Parks
restore faith within communities by investing
in their futures. This year, NRPA's Parks Build
Community project took place in Wellston, Missouri, a small town bordering St. Louis with a population slightly larger than 2,000 people.
Beginning on page 36, in her piece, " Trojan Park: Welcome to the Parks Build Community Family, " author Paula M. Jacoby-Garrett describes how NRPA partnered with Great Rivers Greenway
to complete Trojan Park so that the children of Wellston could have a place to play and the community could have a central area for hosting community events. This $2 million park now provides
much-needed recreation facilities to one of the poorest areas in Missouri.
The project, however, would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of its
donors. It's because of these companies that NRPA can continue its work with the Parks Build
Community initiative each year. This is just one of many ways NRPA is committed to enriching
underserved communities. After all, it is our mission to make sure all children have access to parks
and that they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
The city of Pittsburgh knows all too well about the importance of health and spiritual wellness
and how to appreciate cultural diversity. In his article, " Innovative Community Celebrations in
an Urban Green Space " on page 32, author Scott Roller highlights Schenley Plaza in Pittsburgh
as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The plaza boasts 5 acres of intimate gardens, an expansive
Emerald Lawn, a landmark tent and profit-sharing food vendors that feature local produce and
international cuisine.
As you can see, this month's issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is all about celebration - from
culture and arts to community togetherness and new beginnings. And, it's the perfect time to
reflect on the good fortunes that have been afforded us this past year and to be open to the new
possibilities of the coming year.

GINA MULLINS-COHEN
Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Publishing
Editorial Director

Parks & Recreation

| D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

PRESIDENT AND CEO
Barbara Tulipane, CAE
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING,
COMMUNICATIONS AND
PUBLISHING, AND EDITORIAL
DIRECTOR
Gina Mullins-Cohen
gcohen@nrpa.org
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Samantha Bartram
sbartram@nrpa.org
MANAGING EDITOR
Sonia Myrick
smyrick@nrpa.org
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR
Catrina Belt
cbelt@nrpa.org
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Creative By Design
www.creativebydesign.net
SENIOR SALES MANAGER
EASTERN REGION AND EUROPE
Kip Ongstad
703.858.2174
kongstad@nrpa.org
SALES MANAGER
WESTERN REGION AND ASIA
Michelle Dellner
949.248.1057
mdellner@nrpa.org
MAGAZINE ADVISORY
BOARD MEMBERS
Mike Abbaté
Keith Anderson
Gerald Brown
Ernest Burkeen
Gwendolyn Chambers
Brendan Daley
Anthony-Paul Diaz
Ryan Eaker
Mariela Fernandez
Robert García
Kathleen Gibi
Paul Gilbert
Greg Harrison
Tim Herd
Mareya Ibrahim
Edward Krafcik
Todd Lehman
Sam Mendelsohn
Maria Nardi
Lisa Paradis
Gil Peñalosa
Dr. Kevin Riley
Matthew Rudnick
Paula Sliefert
Anne-Marie Spencer
Stephen Springs
Randy Wiger

December 2016 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2016 - Parks & Recreation