Park Pride is happy to announce that Avery Evans has joined the team as our new Grantmaking Fellow! In the newly created role, Avery will support the internal functions of the grantmaking and fiscal sponsorship team. Her responsibilities include researching best practices for the grant application scoring rubric and supporting grant program data management.
Avery is an Atlanta native and Urban Studies master’s student at Georgia State University. Her research interests include greenspace equity, urban food systems and the intersection of sustainability and affordability. She has spent the last few years doing seasonal work with local farms and continues to garden in her free time.
Continue reading to get to know Avery in her own words!
What does the “power of parks” mean to you?
The power of parks lies in their ability to connect!
Why are parks an important part of the community?
Parks serve as a space for people to relax and enjoy the world around them. They are a unique place in a city in which people can escape, heal, connect and explore.
What are you most excited about regarding your new role?
I’m excited to learn about the ins and outs of the grant-making process. I’m also excited to witness the power of people coming together to transform their neighborhood park.
How do you hope to empower communities to engage and make a difference in their neighborhood parks?
I hope to connect the goals of communities with creative funding mechanisms, ensuring that the communities in need have access to high-quality park space.
What’s your favorite park memory?
I went to Jazz Fest for the first time this summer and loved seeing everyone enjoying each other and the beautiful music in Piedmont Park.
Favorite Atlanta park (and why)?
My favorite Atlanta park is Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. I take many walks there, aimlessly meandering down its unpaved paths. I love seeing the many ways people use the park, from lounging at the waterfall to birdwatching to gathering with family and friends. While it can be a place to socialize, if you explore the trails to the back of the preserve you can find yourself alone and immersed in the stunning tree canopy.
Help us welcome Avery to the team! Email her at avery@parkpride.org.