The Fairmount Park Conservancy, one of the leading nonprofits for outdoor areas in Philadelphia, has been around for decades. After evolving from The Commission, which was created in 1867, and The Fairmount Park Foundation, which was created in 1990, we now have the Fairmount Park Conservancy.
This organization works closely with the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to help maintain and improve green spaces throughout the city. Cari Feller Bender, one of the many members of the Fairmount Park
Conservancy, has been a part of the nonprofit for years. With her position as a consultant, she has been strategizing with different teams for the Conservancy, and informing the media of things that are coming up.
What is your backstory. Why are you in this position at this organization?
My name is Cari Feller Bender, and I am a consultant for the Fairmount Park Conservancy. I have been here for about ten years now. When I say consultant you can think of a spokesperson. I speak to the media, I speak to leadership and communication teams, I handle counseling on messaging, that type of stuff. I have always worked for nonprofit organizations, and I have worked for many different ones. At one of my prior jobs I had a colleague who worked here and she told me to come be a part of this.
What does this non profit do?
This is a group that works alongside Philly Parks and Rec organizations. We work with them to help provide more resources and programming to help improve what they already have and to help create new things as well. There are so many parks scattered around the entire city, but not all of them are in perfect condition to be used. We also host many events within these parks to help bring out the community.
We are currently working on this new project down in South Philly. The city has put aside $250 million to add a new park, and FDR gets to help with the creation of this. It’s going to be around 250 acres, which will be huge down there. All the money for this came from taxes, but this is something that will affect so many people in the city, so I am really excited for this.
How often are the programs that My Philly Parks / FDR have?
We have these programs run year round. Things such as hikes, yoga, and even going out onto the water happen all the time, especially in the spring and summer. We also have many seasonal events, like we have a Day of the Dead event coming up, and even a History Walk. All of these events are free or low cost and its just a good way for people to come out, meet each other and have a good time. Its a good way to unite the community overall.
Does the government do anything to help with parks? If so, what do they do?
The government has to deal with many needs and personally I would hate to work there
and try to see which needs have to be priority. Mayor Parker has made it clear that she
wants many clean and clear spaces throughout the city.
Even the past two administrations have made significant investments and moves to help with the creation of parks. The previous mayor had started a rebuild initiative and invested lots of money. Again this money did come from taxpayer money which was super controversial at the time, but this is something that has a huge impact.
Why is having access to green spaces important?
One thing the pandemic made clear was that people need to have access to parks. Clean air and open space is so vital for physical and mental health. People need that in order to live. In a city it can be hard for everyone to access that, and I want everyone to have some sort of access to a green space. Every neighborhood should have an area for a green space.
How often do you utilize green spaces?
I live in Old City, so I always go to Franklin Square to sit outside and do some work. I also really like the Delaware River Trail, and I like talking walks down there.
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