Staff Lead Highlight: April DeBrosse - Energizing RiverScape MetroPark
If you've been to RiverScape MetroPark in the past couple of years and enjoyed an energizer program like Music Bingo, Theme Nights at the Ice Rink, or one of the vibrant and bustling cultural festivals, there's a good chance April DeBrosse had a hand in making it all happen. As one of RiverScape's dedicated program coordinators, April brings a fresh blend of creativity, community focus, and logistical savvy to everything she does - whether she's coordinating behind the scenes or out in the park bringing energy and joy to visitors.
April didn't begin her career in parks and recreation. Before coming to MetroParks, she was employed at Winans Chocolates + Coffees doing marketing, social media, graphic design, and more! When the company transitioned its marketing operations to an external organization, April saw it as an opportunity to pivot toward something more aligned with her passions: the outdoors, the community, and her family. "I've always loved the outdoors, nature and being involved in the community so I thought that working at Five Rivers MetroParks was a great opportunity to do something completely different!"
She also wanted to show her son, Archer, that work can be something you genuinely enjoy. "I'm happy to say that I think I've exceeded my expectations on both accounts," she shares. April began at RiverScape as a part-time program facilitator and was promoted to program coordinator just a year later. Now, she splits her time evenly between park events and office work - organizing logistics, supporting marketing, and helping run the MetroParks' Facebook presence. Known on her team as the "map maker", April has created user-friendly visuals for parking, festivals, and events that make navigating RiverScape a breeze. And whether she's planning a concert or creating a new social media post, her goal is always the same: to bring people together in nature and community. "I love being able to see people engage with the different energizer programs...knowing that I helped put some of those programs together to bring people together and out into the park makes it even better", she shares.
As a Staff Lead for volunteers, April believes that communication is the most important part of the role - setting clear expectations and making sure everyone feels informed and included. She also values the personal connections that she has. "I enjoy chatting with volunteers while onsite to learn more about them and what drives them to be out in the park with us." she says. From Summer Music Series Ambassadors to Hospitality volunteers at the cultural festivals, volunteers are central to her team's success. "Having their presence in the park is a great help to me because I can focus on making sure other elements are running smoothly", she explains. "Last year, we were even able to have hospitality be entirely waste-free for the first time thanks to their efforts." The Hospitality volunteers not only help serve park staff meals during busy events, but also create a safe and comfortable space for employees to rest, which is especially important and appreciated by the MetroParks Rangers who spend long hours outdoors in heavy gear.
April is also deeply inspired by what volunteering means on a broader level. April says, "Volunteers are important everywhere - it is what truly makes you part of the community that you live in! There is nothing that can quite define you as much - it can build your character and make you into a better person", she says. "I appreciate all of our volunteers and know they're not just helping others - they're helping themselves as well."
When she's not at RiverScape or planning the next community event, April is most often found with her family. A self-described full-time mom, she volunteers at her son's school and local library and looks forward to expanding her volunteerism in the future. With her passion for people, purpose-driven leadership, and creative vision, April DeBrosse is a shining example of how one person's enthusiasm can ripple outward - building connections, joy, and stronger communities along the way.
Want to meet April in action? Stop by one of RiverScape MetroParks' upcoming summer events and see what makes her programs - and the volunteers who support them - so special.
Thank you for all your hard work, April Join April and the program team at RiverScape this summer! Beer and Wine Sales and Support shifts are available now and hospitality shifts will be posting soon!
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Happy 4th of July from YOUR Volunteer Services Team!
Pictured Left to Right: Tatum (summer student partnership volunteer), Jenny, Allie, Amanda, Yvonne, and introducing our newest volunteer coordinator Sam Lowe!
Volunteer Services Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance in signing up. Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275. Your Volunteer Services Team Allie Parks & Conservation # (937) 274 - 3176 Amanda Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration # (937) 277- 4109 Yvonne Outdoor Connections Programming # (937) 277- 4147 Sam Animal Care and animal Programming # (937) 274 - 4502 Jenny Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services # (937) 567-1413  Return to the Volunteer Blog here.
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