Paths to Partnership: Celebrating our Sponsors

Beyond saying “thank you” to new and returning sponsors, the Sponsor Celebration at historic Pearl Street Park provided an opportunity for partners and friends to coalesce around the ethos that everyone in our community benefits from parks and green spaces. At our May 16 event, partners and friends enjoyed community, live music (thanks, Arsena!), live screen-printing of custom Partners for Parks tote bags (thanks to MacFlyFresh), and delicious food under the recently renovated pavilion.

Thanks to you, Partners for Parks was able to host a successful event —and tee up another year of effectively advocating for equitable access to parks and green spaces for the whole community.

The historic location for this year’s event is exemplary of the significant role that parks play in our lives. In his address to attendees, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Arthur Griffin, who grew up in the Brooklyn Village neighborhood, emphasized the importance of Pearl Street Park to the African-American community in a segregated Charlotte. Today, it stands rejuvenated, offering 11 acres of recreational space, symbolic art, and cultural reflection.

One of the highlights of the celebration included the recognition of Lee Jones, who will be retiring at the end of June, and for the wonderful partnership we have enjoyed during his leadership as the Director of Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. Lee was presented with a beautiful picture created by Partners for Parks Board of Directors Member Alicia Rocco, along with a few other tokens of our appreciation. Lee’s involvement has been paramount to the success of our organization, and his contributions to the community during his tenure at MCP&R will be evident in our park systems for generations to come.

“Parks sustain the health and well-being of all members of our community,” said Beth Poovey, board president of Partners for Parks. “A community is and remains active, healthy, engaged, and connected through parks, greenways, and trails.”

Sponsorship of Partners for Parks helps funds summer camps, therapeutic recreation, and park professional education scholarships, as well as everyday advocacy for equitable access to parks and green spaces throughout the area.

“Our partners and sponsors know that this is an investment in the future of local parks, recreation, greenways, and natural open spaces,” said Partners for Parks Treasurer, Al Brown. “That we have so many returning and new partners is a testament to the importance of the work we’re doing, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their partnership.”

It’s never too late to initiate or renew a sponsorship with Partners for Parks. Click this link to select a sponsorship level that’s right for you or your organization. Together, we’ll continue to Breathe Life Into Our Community for years to come!