Hannah Wynelle Studdard is a lifelong Georgian. As Park Pride’s Executive Assistant, she supports Executive Director Michael Halicki, coordinates with the staff leaders at Park Pride, and serves as the liaison for Park Pride’s Board of Directors. Raised in Locust Grove, GA, she developed an early appreciation for nature and its power to enrich lives. Hannah Wynelle graduated from UGA in 2017 with a bachelor’s in Theatre Arts. Before joining Park Pride in October 2022, she was the Executive Assistant at the Center for Puppetry Arts, and she previously worked with Atlanta companies Double the Donation and King of Pops. Her favorite pastimes are visiting local greenspaces, camping in the Blue Ridge mountains, and singing.
Continue reading to get to know Hannah in her own words below!
Park Pride’s mission is “to engage communities to activate the power of parks.” What does the “power of parks” mean to you?
To me, “the power of parks” is how an accessible greenspace enriches the lives of many individuals through an array of benefits.
Why are parks an important part of the community?
Well-maintained parks improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of our community. Parks connect us to nature, to other neighbors, and to our best selves. They provide opportunities for education, community empowerment and service, and even improve the very air we breathe. Safe, open, beautiful parks edify neighborhoods in ways large and small, and they deserve investment and preservation.
What are you enjoying the most about working with Park Pride?
Park Pride has a small, impressive team who “live the mission” every day. I am extremely lucky to be among them. Some words my coworkers have used to describe community parks champions which I think also apply to Park Pride staff: selfless; tireless; inspiring.
What’s your favorite park memory?
Birdwatching and collecting litter at Constitution Lakes Park in DeKalb County on my birthday for the past few years has become a beloved tradition. It is so fun to bring a big bucket and watch it fill up as we walk the trail. It’s like collecting seashells, but even better because you help beautify nature! We have a blog post about solo litter collection that covers the essentials.
What’s your favorite Atlanta park, and why?
The Friendship Forest in Clarkston is a wonderfully designed park. It’s within walking distance from my home, and I have met neighbors there!