A new resident-led initiative aims to strengthen Geneva’s parks and recreational spaces by providing direct support to the city’s Public Works and Recreation departments.
The Geneva Parks Foundation officially launched with a mission to enhance public spaces through five core principles: inclusion, naturalism, safety, education, and the arts. The organization seeks to ensure that Geneva’s parks remain vibrant, accessible, and enriching for residents and visitors alike.
“Our aim as parents and residents who utilize these parks is to work hand-in-hand with the city to ensure that our parks are not only beautiful but also serve as vital community hubs,” said Geoff Hellauer-Geiger, Ward 3 resident and founder of the GPF. “We believe that access to well-maintained, inclusive, and educational parks is essential for the well-being of our community.”
The foundation’s efforts will focus on accessibility, ecological diversity, public safety, educational programming, and artistic expression within Geneva’s parks. By supporting city staff and employees, the GPF hopes to fund and implement projects that might otherwise be beyond the city’s resources.
GPF recently held its first formal meeting and plans to distribute park usage surveys to help develop project proposals and a citywide wishlist. The foundation encourages residents, businesses, and community organizations to get involved through donations, volunteering, and participation in upcoming events.
The next meeting is scheduled for March, with the exact date to be determined. For more information, residents can contact [email protected].
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].