Dear friends,
Today we released a statement announcing that I plan to step down as President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy in the coming months. The board will have time to do a thorough search for the next leader and I will stay to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
Personally, the time feels right for me to take on a new challenge and professionally, I could not be more confident in the team’s ability to carry on our mission.
I have been with the Conservancy for six years and am so proud of what I have accomplished here. Not only have we dramatically increased annual operating revenue, thanks to supporters like you, but we have also expanded the scope of what we do.
Thanks to donor support, we have been able to add members to our Team for Healthy Parks, increasing the work we do in our parks from clearing the woodlands of invasive species, to caring for our landscape beds and planting new trees. We have deepened our outreach and advocacy program by engaging park neighbors who work alongside us to ensure these Olmsted parks are cared for at a higher level. I think the parks look better than ever.
And not only are we doing more than ever in caring for our parks, we have also expanded the park system for the first time in over 100 years with the acquisition of Beargrass Preserve, 25 acres purchased from the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary thanks to the largest gift in our history from Norman and Belita Noltemeyer.
Campaign donors have enabled us to manage significant capital investments in our parks. We have improved the trails in Seneca, Iroquois, and Cherokee Parks. We have restored the beautiful Hogan’s Fountain in Cherokee Park and improved the safety on the Scenic Loop. We have completely restored Tyler Park with a new playground and spray pad, tennis and pickleball courts, and soon, a new performance stage. We have worked with neighbors in Elliott Park to completely renovate the entire park with a new basketball court, playground and spray pad, and walking paths. Central Park has seen years of improvements with one of the nicest fully accessible play spaces in the city and new sidewalks and entrance improvements.
I am so proud of everything that has been accomplished these last six years, but I certainly am not a one woman show. I have the most incredible team standing behind me ready to take this organization to the next level.
And they are not finished. On the horizon, there are plans for a restoration of Big Rock at Cherokee Park, significant improvements in Bingham Park, and more work ahead for Chickasaw Park with a renovated lodge and new tennis courts.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy for the past six years. Thank you for your support and the faith you placed in me.
Best, Layla
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