Press release from Del Rio Parks Foundation
New energy, new roles, and expansion marked the most recent board
meeting for the Del Rio Parks Foundation. After seven years, founder Laura Gill
Vasconcellos stepped down as president of the organization, opening the door for the
nonprofit’s treasurer, Carin Cruz, to fill the role. Vasconcellos will still serve as vice
president.
The board also officially laid the foundation for an emerging initiative to bring robust
hike and bike trials to Del Rio. Jake Carsten was elected to an at-large position to lead
the new Hike and Bike Trail Committee. The new committee adds to the existing
committees for Skateboarding, Dog Park, Community Garden, and Events.
”I am very excited to work with the board and the community to try and bring some
much needed natural trail systems into our community,” said Carsten. “Already we’ve
made good progress with key stakeholders from the city, the county, the school cistrict
and regional organizations to help develop a vision for Del Rio as a regional hike and
bike destination.”
Willard Jenkins stepped into the role of community manager on the board, formerly
filled by Briana Pulido. The foundation’s community manager works directly with
volunteers for events and initiatives, as well as handles social media and content.
“I am super excited to serve on this board and give back to the community,” said
Jenkins. “I look forward to working with this board and I expect this upcoming year to be
amazing and productive.”
Joining the board at an at-large role is also Jan Sanchez, a transplant from California
and has served in the Air Force for the past 17 years.
Long-time board member, Christine Miner, will move into the role of treasurer for the
organization. Miner will continue her non-elected position of Farmer’s Market Coordinator as well. Miner owns a small local farm and teaches math at Del Rio High School School.
Ken Hayes, a member of the organization since 2017, remains in an at-large position
while staying at the helm of the Skateboarding Committee. Veronica Wooden-Felton
was also elected to another term as the Garden Manager.
With a newly elected board, an ambitious 10-year vision, and planning underway for
2023, the Del Rio Parks Foundation is welcoming the changes and new energy. Marking
one year since moving out-of-state, Vasconcellos reflected on her time as President of
the foundation.
“Helping to found and lead the Del Rio Parks Foundation is one of my most proud
accomplishments,” said Vasconcellos. “Seven years in, we’ve found our niche and
established ourselves in the community, and I think we’ll continue to have an impact
with this new influx of people and ideas.”
Cruz, a Del Rio resident since moving from her native Finland in 2016, is taking up the
helm with a strong background on the organization’s fiscal health and event planning.
“During my year as treasurer I was able to strengthen the financial health of the
organization and establish new connections with local businesses, especially around
events,” said Cruz. “I’m looking forward to further exploring relationships as the president
of the Foundation, and also bringing more awareness to our goals and future projects in
the community.”
The Del Rio Parks Foundation is still seeking board members for the roles of event
manager as well as fundraising and grants coordinator. Non-elected positions are
open for all of their committees as well.
“We are a bunch of enthusiastic people volunteering to improve our local community,
and we appreciate all the help we can get,” added Cruz. “We have several interesting
projects coming up in 2023, so it’s a great time to get involved.”
To apply for a board or committee position, or for more information about the Del Rio
Parks Foundation, visit delrioparksfoundation.com, or contact Carin Cruz at
info@delrioparksfoundation.com.
