Park Access Learning Series: Engaging City Leadership in Equitable Park Access and Quality

Jared Mummert is a Community and Environmental Resilience Program Manager at NRPA and a recent graduate from George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government with a Masters of Public Administration and Environmental Science and Public Policy. With nearly 5 years at NRPA, Jared has led work on community engagement, the history of equity in parks and recreation and creating equitable access to inclusive, resilient park spaces. Prior to his time at NRPA, Jared worked as a political and community outreach organizer on multiple campaigns, including organizing farmers in Maryland to close loopholes in the Clean Water Act, engaging Colorado voters in the 2014 midterm election and working to connect low-income families to national parks. Jared has also served in the Student Conservation Association, AmeriCorps, and the National Park Service as park ranger for multiple sites, including Grand Teton National Park. As an avid outdoorsman and public lands advocate, Jared integrates environmental justice into all of his work to ensure everyone has access to high-quality parks and greenspaces.

Christina has a Masters in Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico. Her first job as a 16-year-old was passing out lunches in a neighborhood park.  Little did she know that 10 years later she would be back working for the Parks and Recreation Department.  Christina has spent the past 20 years developing parks and open spaces for the enjoyment of Albuquerque residents and visitors. In 2009 she became a mom to three special needs boys.  Her boys have given her a greater understanding and appreciation for the importance of outdoor recreation, equity and the role we as Parks and Recreation professionals play in the physical and mental health of our citizens.

Brad Buschur is a Project Director for Groundwork Lawrence. Over the past ten years, he has managed the community engagement, design, and construction of $26 million of park projects. He also oversees Groundworks urban forestry program, which has utilized local labor to plant over 2000 trees over the past three years. While earning a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Brad began his career by designing park projects in Boston and stewarding the grounds of Tower Hill Botanic Garden. He carried these skills internationally, expanding his practice by working on large commercial and institutional projects while working with RMJM and Payette Associates.  Brad completed his undergraduate studies in Urban Planning and Political Science at Miami University.

James Hardy is Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development for the City of Akron, Ohio.  In this role he manages planning and urban design functions, economic development, recreation and parks, downtown operations, and elements of engineering.  He previously served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Daniel Horrigan, and is a 2020-21 Fulcrum Fellow at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy's Center for Community Investment.