Alice O. Bridges

Director of Special Projects @Parks Alliance Of Louisville

Louisville, KY, US

The Parks Alliance of Louisville\'s mission is to drive equitable investment in our city\'s public parks to elevate the health and well-being of our entire community. In 2019, I connected MSD with the Parks Alliance to develop Alberta O. Jones Park in the California Neighborhood of West Louisville. Since then I have helped to raise more than $5 million and engaged hundreds of residents in park planning and design. Now, as Director of Special Projects, I will lead implementation of \"People-Powered Parks,\" a three-year initiative funded through the EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program. It is designed to help recipients build partnerships with the community and other stakeholders to address environmental or public health issues.With this award, the Alliance will continue to engage residents in the planning, programming, and on-going stewardship of Alberta O. Jones Park. This includes establishing a Community Council to oversee the park, guiding decisions on programs and services that will be offered. The award will help fund a new job: a park superintendent to facilitate the work of the council, maintain the grounds, and coordinate programs designed by and for the community. Decisions will be grounded in a Health Impact Assessment, a formal process that engages residents in identifying strategies through which park design and programming can positively impact physical and mental health and well-being.

Eastern Kentucky University

Bachelor of Arts

Loyola University New Orleans

Masters of Pastoral Studies