Heidi Anderson

Urban Park Leadership Program

Heidi Anderson
"Since meeting the team at the Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks, I have been inspired by the work that they do and grateful for the lessons-learned that they can and have been so willing to share."

CEO, The Trail Foundation, Austin, TX

What drew you to the field of urban park management? What is the most gratifying aspect of your job?  

I am grateful for the opportunity to get to spend my days supporting a vital part of our city that everyone, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status, can enjoy. I believe it is important for cities to provide easy and welcoming access to nature for its citizens in an effort to keep our communities healthy and sustainable.

Why did you choose the Urban Park Leadership Program, offered by the Central Park Conservancy and the CUNY School of Professional Studies?

Since meeting the team at the Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks, I have been inspired by the work that they do and grateful for the lessons learned that they can and have been so willing to share. Their experience makes our work easier and more effective.  I'll take every opportunity I can get to engage with them and learn more!

What is the most significant impact you will have on your park as a result of applying what you have gained from this program? 

The time I have spent in this program is having a direct impact on The Trail Foundation's evolution into a formal agreement with the City of Austin to transfer operations and management from our parks department to TTF. Much of what I have learned in this program is being integrated into our negotiations with the city.

Tell us about your experience with completing the Leadership Program as a fully online experience.

I am very grateful to the Institute team for keeping our group together and finding creative ways for us to connect and learn in these incredibly challenging times. That said, virtual learning is challenging and the missing component of in-person connection has impacted our ability to form the close relationships I'd hoped to glean from this experience.  It is my hope that the Institute will bring us together once it is safe to do so.

How did you balance participating in the Leadership Program with the priorities of your career and personal life?  

To be honest, there is no more balance. I work from home and home from work. It's all just blended together. There were many time consuming and unexpected issues on my plate this year, but I felt committed to this program and tried to do my best.

What was your favorite unit in the program? Why? 

The events and programming unit was incredibly helpful to me as TTF embarks on our first, robust year of on-site programming. I have shared the documents with our team and we are integrating the concepts outlined.

What advice would you offer someone who is considering applying for the Urban Park Leadership Program?

I believe you get out of these types of programs what you put into them. So lean in, participate, and you will reap the benefits!