After eight years at the helm of the organization, Sheila Taylor has announced she is stepping down as the executive director and CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary. Read More
After eight years, Sheila Taylor has announced she is stepping down as the executive director and CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary.
After eight years, Sheila Taylor has announced she is stepping down as the executive director and CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary.
Article content
After eight years at the helm of the organization, Sheila Taylor has announced she is stepping down as the executive director and CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary.
Article content
Article content
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside such a passionate team and help shape Calgary’s parks and recreation spaces,” she said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s next for both me and the Foundation.”
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Her last day with the organization will be Aug. 15.
Article content
Noon News Roundup
Article content
Parks Foundation Calgary is a civic partner, responsible for stewarding the city’s parks and pioneering and creating new public outdoor spaces.
Article content
In a news release, the foundation saluted Taylor for her leadership and guidance, noting that since she became CEO of the organization in 2017, Parks Foundation Calgary has grown significantly and created dozens of new parks and green spaces.
Article content
“Sheila has been instrumental in raising millions for community-driven initiatives while championing equity and inclusion, helping ensure our spaces serve all Calgarians regardless of background or ability,” the release stated.
Article content
Article content
Among the projects completed under Taylor’s guidance were the award-winning Flyover Park, which converted the underpass below the Fourth Avenue Flyover in Bridgeland into a vibrant public space. The inner-city park now features two hill slides, a bamboo jungle, a tandem swing and games, including shuffleboard, ping pong and ladder toss.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Taylor also oversaw the development of the the Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park, the Quinterra Legacy Garden, the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Park, the David Richardson Memorial Disc Golf Park, recent upgrades at George Moss Park, and many other park projects.
Article content
In a previous interview, Taylor told Postmedia her vision was to make Calgary’s parks more inclusive and accessible for all residents.
Article content
“We have very much refocused our efforts around addressing inequities in Calgary, and helping to create parks and sports spaces in areas where they are truly needed,” she said in March.
Article content
Taylor’s departure comes as the city rolls out a new long-term parks strategy, dubbed Connect: Calgary’s Parks Plan. According to a city news release, the plan intends to redefine how Calgary’s parks are developed, enhanced and maintained.
Article content
The plan’s four pillars include inclusivity and community; growth and connectivity; sustainable management; and environmental protection.
Article content
Parks Foundation Calgary’s board of directors, led by chair Hilary Zaharko and vice-chair Mike Henry, will lead the transition process in finding a new executive director and CEO, the release said. An announcement is expected by the end of August.
Article content