Raleigh's quest for greener pastures and park benches that aren't just good for sitting gains momentum with the induction of Laura Heredia as the new Executive Director of the City of Oaks Foundation. A native to these parts, Heredia is poised to take the helm of a nonprofit that's been the wind beneath the wings of the city’s parks and conservation endeavors since 2010.
Stewardship comes naturally to Heredia, who grew up amidst the verdant sprawls she's now entrusted to protect and proliferate. She aims to ardently continue threading the city's patchwork of parks, trails, and open spaces. "It’s an honor to serve my hometown in this way and to continue the Foundation’s work in connecting our community to the incredible outdoor spaces and opportunities that make Raleigh such a special place," Heredia told the City of Raleigh's news page.
The City of Oaks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, hasn't just been sitting pretty—they've been actively sprucing up Raleigh's parks scene for over a decade. They work in tandem with Raleigh Parks to nurture nature conservancies, to broaden the horizons of recreational activities, and to financially empower those for whom access remains just beyond reach. Through a fruitful blend of grants, donations, and collabs, the City of Oaks Foundation and Raleigh Parks aim to ensure that park life is not merely a walk in the park for the privileged few, but a treasure trove accessible by one and all in Raleigh's urban landscape.
