Atlanta – This fall Park Pride welcomed the fourth cohort of its Park Stewardship Academy (PSA), a three‑month training program designed for volunteers who lead Friends of the Park groups. The 2026 cohort consists of 12 dedicated park stewards representing neighborhoods across the City of Atlanta, DeKalb County and the City of Brookhaven.
Program focus and curriculum
Directed by Eli Dickerson, Park Pride’s Director of Education, the academy covers a broad range of topics aimed at equipping participants with practical tools to improve and activate their parks. Sessions include effective park advocacy, event planning, best practices for Friends Group structure and sustainability, fundraising techniques, volunteer coordination, and strategies for working with elected officials. Expert partners contribute knowledge on public art, ecology and advocacy.
New elements this year feature a team‑building woodworking project and a Photovoice session, where participants combine photography and storytelling to capture the lived experiences of community members in their neighborhoods.
Building relationships and succession planning
“The magic of PSA is the people,” said Eli Dickerson. “Every year, my favorite part is the connections that are made – between Park Pride and the class, as well as the connections between cohort members.” Participants quickly discover shared passions for their parks, despite differences in geography or park type.
The academy also serves as a succession tool for Friends groups. By training emerging leaders, groups can proactively pass the torch to new volunteers rather than risk program decline. This approach supports the long‑term sustainability of park stewardship across the region.
Participant perspectives
Caitlin King, a member of the Friends of White Oak Hills Neighborhood Parks, applied to PSA because she believes surrounding herself with fellow park lovers will spark new ideas for engaging neighbors. Carla “Annie” Moore of the Friends of Lindsay Street Park highlighted her deep love for community, environmental stewardship and the role parks play in creating healthier, more connected neighborhoods.
Both women emphasized that stewardship is about caring for the land and the people who use it, and they look forward to expanding their leadership and technical skills through the academy.
Impact and future plans
Graduates leave PSA with a comprehensive toolbox of skills and resources. By December, the network will include 45 alumni who have already used activation grants to host events such as Pet Wellness Day—providing free veterinary care to over 150 pets—and “Chirp & Chalk,” a family‑friendly activity that combined chalk art with bird education.
Alumni remain active in the community, attending public comment sessions at Atlanta City Hall, returning as guest instructors for future PSA cohorts, and securing grant funding for capital improvements in 15 park projects.
Looking ahead
The 2026 cohort will graduate in December, and Park Pride encourages residents to follow the program’s progress on social media. The continued growth of the academy demonstrates how volunteer‑driven stewardship, bolstered by targeted training and resources, can enhance the quality of life for families and neighborhoods throughout the Atlanta region.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
