About Us

Who We Are

Since 1996, Partners For Parks has played a key role as a bridge between corporate or individual donors and parks and recreation departments across the greater Charlotte region, helping to facilitate public-private relationships that strengthen parks, greenways, open space, active play, and recreational programs for the communities they serve.

Get In Touch With Us

What We Do

We partner with Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation and other town recreation departments across the region as a fundraising liaison, working with various neighborhood and citizens groups to advocate for and enhance park and recreation facilities, infrastructure, and programs.

For us, parks are a legacy we leave behind for future generations. Each effort is an investment in the natural beauty of our region, furthering our goal of breathing life into our community.

Partners for Parks is the pathway to a healthier, and more livable, future that encourages all residents of our region to experience the joy of parks, nature, and recreation.

Our Mission

Dedicated to Transforming Mecklenburg County

Bridge Communities

We strive to bridge the gap within underserved communities by seeking to provide safe, accessible and high-quality parks and open spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature.

Preserve & Enhance

We work to improve the quality of life for residents of the Mecklenburg County region by preserving, promoting and enhancing parks, greenways, open spaces, active play, and recreational opportunities that celebrate local identity and foster sustainability within our community.

Advocate & Partner

Through advocacy, community engagement, resource development, and education, we aim to create a thriving network of parks and open spaces that foster well-being, connectivity, and environmental stewardship throughout the Mecklenburg County region.

Our Accomplishments

Years of Impact, One Partnership at a Time

$50,000

Donated $50,000 to support scholarships for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation youth sports and programs

Donated $50,000 to support scholarships for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation youth sports and programs

$25,000

Donated $25,000 to help fund the renovation of Grayson Skatepark at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center to reprogram the unused space that currently exists.

Donated $25,000 to help fund the renovation of Grayson Skatepark at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center to reprogram the unused space that currently exists.

Growing Our Greenways

Hosted “Growing Our Greenways” walks with partners, raising awareness of existing greenways and the need for more.

Hosted “Growing Our Greenways” walks with partners, raising awareness of existing greenways and the need for more.

Upgraded Signage

Upgraded historical signage along the Trail of History statues on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

Upgraded historical signage along the Trail of History statues on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

2025 Event

Supported the annual Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Senior Games by securing sponsorships and paying operating expenses for the 2025 event!

Supported the annual Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Senior Games by securing sponsorships and paying operating expenses for the 2025 event!

Purchased Equipment

Partnered to purchase new equipment, improving the playground at Fourth Ward Park.

Partnered to purchase new equipment, improving the playground at Fourth Ward Park.

Open Streets Programming

Presented Open Streets events, transforming roads into temporary parks for walking and cycling (2016–2019).

Presented Open Streets events, transforming roads into temporary parks for walking and cycling (2016–2019).

Paths to Parks Events

Hosted Paths to Parks events, bringing cultural performances to three parks connected by a car-free pathway.

Hosted Paths to Parks events, bringing cultural performances to three parks connected by a car-free pathway.

Corridors Connect Events

Held six Corridors Connect events, closing streets for pedestrian programs in underserved neighborhoods.

Held six Corridors Connect events, closing streets for pedestrian programs in underserved neighborhoods.

Trail of History Festivals

Participated in Trail of History festivals along the Metropolitan stretch of Little Sugar Creek Greenway in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Participated in Trail of History festivals along the Metropolitan stretch of Little Sugar Creek Greenway in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Five Points Park and RoadRace

Helped activate Five Points Plaza Park and sponsored Five Points 5k roadrace, bringing awareness and fundraising to this West End neighborhood.

Helped activate Five Points Plaza Park and sponsored Five Points 5k roadrace, bringing awareness and fundraising to this West End neighborhood.

"Parks mean opportunity. Parks are the great equalizer. It doesn't matter your background; all are welcome in the parks."

- Terri Stowers, CPRP and ex-officio board member since 2025

Our Team

The People Behind the Mission

Board of Directors

Beth Poovey

President

Lauren Sawyers

Executive Director

Emily Condon

Secretary

Al Brown

Treasurer

Lorna Allen

Greg Austin

Brian Bennett

Jennifer Brooks

Gina Carmon

Christy Churchill

James Derrick

Kip Kiser

middle aged man with gray hair and orange sweater

Jerry Lee

Smiling brown haired woman with earrings in front of black background

Rachel Orn

Josh Prescott

Black & white photo of woman with glasses

Alicia Rocco

Smiling older man in a vest at a scenic overlook

Doug Youngblood

Chairman Emeritus (Deceased)

Ex Officio

Katie Lloyd

MCP&R

Terri Stowers

Nick Walker