 There are many AMAZING volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we shine a spotlight on one. This month we are celebrating Carol Williamson, a dedicated volunteer who began volunteering with us in March 2008. If you've been to 2nd Street Market or our Outdoor Recreation events, you may have met her. After spending over 30 years in an office, Carol wanted to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. With MetroParks, she found a way to give back to the community while enjoying our many parks and facilities. Carol says, "The opportunities MetroParks offers for volunteers make it easy to find an activity that interests me." When she began volunteering, Carol was a Master Naturalist and loved helping others explore the parks. Due to work limitations, she sought more opportunities and found a good match in MetroParks' Administration volunteer position, where she found many opportunities to employ her administrative skills indoors to help the parks including data entry for surveys and waivers, and filing for our Human Resources department. She also became a volunteer ambassador at the 2nd Street Market and RiverScape MetroPark, sharing her passion with visitors. She said, "It's fun to hear the different music and see the dancing! I like helping others, and I enjoy the ambassador roles." Lynda Suda, the 2nd Street Market Manager, said, "If you've visited the Market over the past few years, you've likely been greeted by Carol. Carol was essential in helping the Market staff when we had to pivot the Market outside during COVID-19 as well as helping us run our SNAP Exchange program. Carol is gracious, efficient, and welcoming to everyone; she's the ideal ambassador for FRMP and the Market." Shelby Shaw, Special Events Specialist, noted that Carol is eager to help newer volunteers learn the technology used for data entry at MetroParks. Her experience and careful work made sure the projects ran smoothly. Originally from Iowa, Carol now considers Dayton her home. She enjoys encouraging friends to explore the many opportunities at MetroParks. Carol loves activities at RiverScape, enjoys springtime at Aullwood, and is working on biking all the recreation trails. Since retiring, she appreciates the fun and fulfilling opportunities MetroParks offers. She particularly enjoys the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and 2nd Street Market, which allow her to interact with others and make a difference. Chris Buck, Recreation Coordinator, said, "Carol has been an invaluable volunteer for years for the outdoor recreation department. She has donated her time and abilities to everything from greeting guests at the information booth at The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience to helping with the behind-the-scenes work, such as the always daunting waiver data entry after the event. Carol's efforts help us provide the level of programming the public expects and would not be possible without dedicated volunteers like her." In addition to her work with MetroParks, Carol volunteers with Dayton Live and at a local senior facility, helping with special programs and meals. She continues to seek new opportunities to give back.  Thank you, Carol, for your commitment and valuable service to Five Rivers MetroParks! Join Carol at some of her favorite MetroParks events this month: Bike to Work Day and Passport to MetroParks. Or stop by and say hello while visiting the 2nd Street Market and learn more about how you can get involved supporting this great downtown MetroParks facility. Meet more AMAZING MetroParks volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights here. |
 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 (from left to right)Parks & Conservation # (937) 274-3176 Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration # (937) 277-4109 Outdoor Connections Programming # (937) 277-4147 Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services Interim: Animal Care & Animal Programming and Court Appointed Volunteer Service # (937) 567-1413 |
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May 7, 2025
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by Volunteer Services
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