Park Pride is excited to welcome Mindy Kao as our new Strategic Partnership Manager! She will help guide the transformational redesign project at Four Corners Park. Mindy most recently served as a project manager for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative at the City of Atlanta, where she worked across City departments to advance neighborhood-based redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, policy, and other projects in Atlanta’s Westside. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, eating ice cream, running, and making pottery. She lives in Adair Park with her husband and two dogs.
Continue reading to get to know Mindy in her own words!
What does the “power of parks” mean to you?
To me, it’s about the unique ability of parks to spark so many benefits for users: joy, connection, wonder, rest, play, improved mental health, improved physical health…the list goes on!
Why are parks an important part of the community?
Parks are a source of joy, beauty, and connection with people and nature. They also bring people together–regardless of your age, race, income, gender, or orientation, parks are for everyone.
What are you most excited about regarding your new role?
I am most excited to work in and with the Peoplestown community!
How do you hope to empower communities to engage and make a difference in their neighborhood parks?
I love getting to know leaders and residents who care deeply about their community and understanding their stories, motivation, and perspectives. I hope to empower communities by building trusting relationships, listening intently to their hopes and concerns, showing up consistently and authentically, and ensuring their vision is meaningfully reflected in neighborhood park improvements.
What’s your favorite park memory?
I am fascinated by green infrastructure, so when Hurricane Helene caused a heavy downpour in 2024, I went over to Cook Park in Vine City to witness the gigantic stormwater catchment feature do its job of catching millions of gallons of stormwater, thereby preventing flooding in the surrounding community. It was really neat to see the pond full of stormwater and the wetland areas submerged as intended. I remember seeing ducks and turtles too—it made me happy to see wildlife in such an urban part of Atlanta.
Favorite Atlanta Park (and why)?
My favorite park is Adair Park I. I walk my dogs around this park daily, and I get to enjoy the towering, mature oak trees and delightful rain garden feature. It’s also great for birdwatching, especially red-tailed hawks. It is special to me because I’ve made countless memories there with my neighbors, family, friends, and dogs.
Send Mindy an email at mindy.kao@parkpride.org to help welcome her to the team!