In this episode, Candice Elliott sits down with Mariah Roberts, the Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Park Friends, to explore the impactful work of this nonprofit organization. Mariah shares her journey from being a teacher and a mother to leading a community-driven initiative that enhances park accessibility and community engagement in Santa Cruz County.

Key Points Discussed:

• Mariah’s Role and Mission:
  • Mariah explains her role as the Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Park Friends, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the County Park system and enhancing the quality of life for all Santa Cruz County residents.
• Path to Community Involvement:
  • From her background in special education to becoming a Parks Commissioner, Mariah discusses the pivotal moments that led her to community activism, particularly the grassroots efforts to develop Chanticleer Park and Leo's Haven, the first universally accessible playground in Santa Cruz County.
• Vision and Decision-Making:
  • How Mariah balances operational challenges with the overarching mission to ensure equity and access in parks, and how community input shapes the direction of their projects.
• Personal Motivation:
  • Mariah reflects on her own experiences with parks growing up in Seattle and how these memories influence her passion for creating accessible community spaces.
• Challenges and Growth:
  • The rapid growth of the organization, including the significant hiring wave of part-time staff, and how the team navigates operational hurdles to stay true to their mission.
• Leadership Insights:
  • Mariah’s approach to leadership during challenging times, maintaining strong relationships with her team, and ensuring that each decision aligns with their core values and mission.

Contact Information:

• Website: countyparkfriends.org
• Social Media: Follow Santa Cruz County Park Friends on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Support and Donations:

• Learn more about how you can support the development of accessible playgrounds and other community-driven park initiatives by visiting the County Park Friends website.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

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