FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Passion, Professionalism, and Networking for the future of our Park System. Applications are open now through October 2020
The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is officially opening applications for their new development program, Young Professionals for Olmsted Parks (YPOP). This program, open to young professionals age 25-40, will provide an enriching journey for participants, complete with networking opportunities, community-focused professional development, and unique cultural experiences within the Olmsted park system.
Throughout the six-month program, YPOP will provide opportunities to gain greater appreciation for Buffalo’s Olmsted parks and green spaces; learn about the Conservancy’s work and purpose through direct access to staff, members of the Board of Trustees, and volunteers; network for professional development with local leaders and people of influence; and support the Conservancy’s mission for the parks through fundraising and friend-raising.
“On behalf of Conservancy staff and our Board of Trustees, I am pleased to officially kick off YPOP: Young Professionals for Olmsted Parks and encourage anyone interested to apply to join the inaugural class,” said Stephanie Crockatt, Executive Director. “At a time when parks and participation are critical, this innovative program will engage young professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing a unique participatory experience in connecting them to their parks and community, while building their peer and professional network for nonprofit service.”
YPOP Program Timeline:
January – Kick-off Party
February – Olmsted 101 – History and FUN, All in one!
March – Pens & Pints – Spring Appeal
March – Network & Professional Development Opportunity
April – Network & Professional Development Opportunity
April – Volunteer Event in your Olmsted Parks
May – Spring into Summer Luncheon
May – Olmsted Park System Tour and Annual Meeting
June – YPOP Graduation
…and more!
*All events will be transitioned to a virtual format if needed
Applications are open now through October 30th, 2020. A brief interview will be held in early December, in-person or virtual, and a formal Welcome Packet will be sent out shortly after, with program launch in January 2021. Learn more about the program and apply today at www.bfloparks.org/ypop.
For any questions regarding the YPOP Program, please reach out to Sarah Larkin at Sarah@bfloparks.org or 716-838-1249 ext. 18.
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About the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is the first nonprofit organization in the nation, through a unique public-private partnership, to manage and operate an entire urban park system consisting of more than 850 acres of beautifully designed historic parks, parkways and circles. The Conservancy is an independent not-for-profit, community organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, restore, enhance, and maintain the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks and parkways in the Greater Buffalo area for current and future generations. Since 2004 the Conservancy has held responsibility for the management and care of these nationally registered historic green spaces, and in 2019 the Conservancy and City signed a new 12-year partnership agreement with an approved update to its five-year plan for the Olmsted parks in continuing to assist the City in bringing recognition to its collective renaissance. Designed by America’s first landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted more than 150 years ago, these 25 iconic connective spaces represent the nation’s first urban park system. More than 2.5 million visits occur in Buffalo’s Olmsted Park system annually for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation. Most recently, the American Planning Association recognized Delaware Park as one of the 2014 Great Places in America, The Guardian publication named Buffalo’s Olmsted park system as one of the best park systems in the world, and in 2018 the Conservancy set a Guinness World Record in historic Bidwell Parkway. www.bfloparks.org
The Buffalo Olmsted Park System includes:
Six parks: Cazenovia, Delaware, Front, Martin Luther King, Jr., Riverside, and South parks
Seven parkways: Bidwell, Chapin, Lincoln, McKinley, Porter, Red Jacket, and Richmond
Eight landscaped traffic circles: Agassiz, Colonial, Ferry, Gates, McClellan, McKinley, Soldiers, and Symphony
Three pocket parks: Days Park, Heacock Place, Prospect Hill Parks
