What is your role?

I help oversee all aspects of internal and external communications for The Parklands to build general park awareness, deliver consistent messaging to our visitors, and promote park events and programming. My team creates and manages a variety of communications and marketing projects—from signs and flyers located throughout the park, to the e-mails and social media posts you see online.

How does your team help keep The Parklands safe?

Keeping staff and visitors informed of any alerts and closures is a weekly, sometimes daily, responsibility of the communications team. While most major construction is complete at this point, we still have smaller projects, as well as ongoing maintenance to keep our park safe and functioning. Alerts could be informing visitors of fallen trees on Floyds Fork or tree removal work along a trail. Following heavy rain, we might have to close off an area or amenity due to mud and flooding. We work with the operations team to make sure signs are in place and alerts are posted online.

What are you most proud of in your work?

I don’t get many opportunities for face-to-face interaction with visitors on a daily basis, but the communications team is responsible for fielding questions and comments that are submitted digitally. We pride ourselves on delivering a world-class experience to visitors, and monitoring feedback is one way that we can, not only evaluate how we’re doing, but also take action to improve. It’s exciting to read reviews from people who have a positive experience in the park, but it’s also rewarding to be able to help those who need assistance or encounter an issue during their visit.

What inspires you to come to work every day?

Knowing that our parks provide free access to public greenspace that is preserved for current and future generations. This area of Louisville is quickly growing, so it is comforting to know that our 4,000 acres will always remain parkland that families can come out and enjoy, 365 days a year. Being from a small town with a lot of open space, I believe that getting out into nature is not just good for fitness, but also for your mental wellbeing. Louisville residents can enjoy the perks of living in the city and get away from it all in just a short 15-30 minute drive.

Osage Orange Explorer Trail before and after.

Which trail would you recommend to visitors and why?

The Osage Orange Explorer Trail, located behind the Marshall Playground & Sprayground in Beckley Creek Park is a perfect beginner trail for families with small children. I got to see our talented garden and trail teams transform the area from an overgrown field to the engaging pathway that exists today. Even if you are older, the Storybook Forest is a must-see stop. Regardless of age, you might still learn something new from the signs placed along the trail.

What “hidden gem” would you recommend to visitors and why?

The tried and true Pope Lick fans might hate me for sharing this, but I think our best “hidden gem” is Pope Lick Park. You don’t hear a lot of people talk about it, but it offers great hiking trails, as well as a nice, scenic stretch of the Louisville Loop for walking, running and biking. The fact that it’s not as busy as our other parks makes it a popular location to those looking for a more secluded outing. It’s also a great location for bird watching. I work in the Park Administration Building, so each day I get to see (and hear) the different bird species cycle through as the seasons change. My favorite is the Barred owls that, like clockwork, begin hooting around 3 p.m. everyday.

Barred owl in Pope Lick Park.

In your opinion, what makes The Parklands worthy of support?

The Parklands is for everyone. There is a wide-range of amenities, including fully-accessible trails and access points, so that people of all ages and abilities can find their perfect spot to get outdoors.

How would you say “Thank You” to someone who donates to The Parklands, or who is thinking about donating?

THANK YOU for making it possible to keep The Parklands operating and open for so many people to enjoy! Your contribution is helping to make Louisville a great place to live.

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About the Author

As Manager of Marketing and Communications, Anna Rosales-Crone manages internal and external communications strategies for The Parklands, as well as marketing to promote facility rentals, educational programming, fundraising and overall park awareness. Anna was hired as Communications Coordinator in May of 2015 to help build awareness of the newly constructed park by managing The Parklands brand, website and social media. Prior to joining The Parklands team, she worked in communications at the American Red Cross for five years where she grew the Louisville Area Chapter’s digital and social media presence while supporting public relations, marketing and special events. She also provided public affairs support and guidance during major disaster operations. Anna is a graduate of the University of Evansville where she met her husband and the second love of her life—traveling. She also enjoys hiking, reading, baking, dancing, going to concerts and hanging out with her two cats. Contact me about: media relations, photo requests and website.