Park Pride is excited to introduce Libya Elarbi, our 2025 Spring Intern!
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Libya is a third-year student at Georgia State University majoring in English literature. Growing up, her parents emphasized the importance of reading and education, and so she developed a reading habit that blossomed into a desire to pursue a career in publishing. When not reading, Libya enjoys film, baking, and chess. She also has an interest in environmental studies, which drew her to Park Pride. Her wish is to help spread awareness of environmental issues and emphasize the urgent need to take care of the earth we all share.
Continue reading to get to know Libya in her own words!
What does the “power of parks” mean to you?
To me, the term “power of parks” encompasses community. They are places in which people can come together to celebrate unity and enjoy a shared space of which they have taken a part in helping preserve and beautify. The “power of parks” also invokes the important issue of environmental awareness, and how crucial it is to protect the land and living things that help sustain us.
Why are parks an important part of the community?
Because parks are shared spaces within different communities, I believe that they enforce an understanding between community members that cultivating these types of spaces requires a degree of teamwork and shared interest that is beneficial in promoting additional social good outside of these spaces. Additionally, in a world that has become increasingly closed off to children, where fewer places are either safe or beneficial for them to exist in, parks are places in which parents can feel comfortable allowing kids to play, uninhibited and without fear of being chastised for disturbance. Overall, parks are excellent shared community spaces that are open to all who wish to enjoy them.
What are you most excited about regarding your new role?
I am most excited about learning more about the processes of park building, beautification and maintenance. I am also excited to engage with community members and leaders, as well as build connections with different people within this sector.
How do you hope to empower communities to engage and make a difference in their neighborhood parks?
My goal throughout my time with Park Pride is to learn as much as I possibly can about the methods of park maintenance and apply that knowledge to promoting the importance of parks, whether that be through social media, personal connections, or volunteer community work.
What’s your favorite park memory?
Some of my favorite park memories involve my parents taking my brother and I to our local park in Dallas and having picnics, my father photographing us as we played in the open space, later having those photographs developed and pressed into a photo album that we still have and enjoy to this day.
Favorite Atlanta Park (and why)?
Of all Atlanta parks, Centennial Park comes to my mind first and foremost in terms of its beauty, spaciousness, historical significance, and optimal location at the center of the city.