People for Parks:

Perspectives on Park Creation and Development

The Parks

• Morningside Nature Preserve

• Beecher-Hampton Nature Preserve

• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Morningside Nature Preserve

Morningside Nature Preserve was saved by the Wildwood Urban Forest Group.

Once the land was protected, a Steering Committee was created with the mission of:

“The Wildwood lives on because of community effort and shall be managed to conserve the natural and historic

resources, interpret the ecosystems, and demonstrate their benefits.”

Beecher-Hampton Nature Preserve

Mission Statement:The friends of Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Park are residents

who advocate for, recreate in and help maintain the natural areas of

the 220 acre greenspace.

Arabia MountainHeritage Area Alliance

Mission Statement:The Alliance is dedicated to protecting,

connecting and sharing the unique history, rich culture and engaging landscapes of the

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area for the benefit and enjoyment of all

generations.

What I learned about: “Community Empowerment:”

1. In order to be effective, the community must be organized.

2. In order to be effective, the community must be willing to work hard.

3. In order to be effective, the community must realize the wealth of power it holds.

4. If one, two, and three are satisfied, the community has unlimited potential to effectuate positive change.

-Rochelle Routman