The tease of hot spring days gives anticipation to all the delicious cool beverages I will enjoy this summer. In 2020, I spent more of my time running than I ever had before. I became a trail runner and logged an enormous number of miles in Forest Park. I found deep peace and comfort on the trails. I have been running for 30 (!) years now and I’ve spent my working time supporting the mission of non-profits, but it wasn’t until I found Forest Park and started working with the Forest Park Conservancy that my understanding of community and access and privilege really formed.
Through each difficult step of 2020, I continued to feel grateful; so appreciative that I had been shown the possibilities of finding peace in nature at a young age. I have always felt that running the way my friends and I run is a privilege in many ways but 2020 highlighted that privilege even more. Being white has provided me opportunities and exposure and safety that people of color simply do not have.
Love is King partnered with the Forest Park Conservancy in early 2021. Through this partnership the conservancy has committed to spreading the Love is King mission through our staff, volunteers, board members, and community members to work toward a Forest Park where everyone has the freedom to roam safely.
As a runner, I have always felt a desire to use my miles for a larger purpose. That is why we created 80 for 80. There are 80 miles of trails to protect and preserve in Forest Park but there are a lot more communities that need our allyship. Dedicate your miles this summer to FPC’s work toward equitable access in the park. We don’t have all the answers and that is why we are working closely with partner organizations (Love Is King, Portland United Against Hate, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Vive NW, Elevate Oregon, the Blueprint Foundation, and more) to achieve this goal.
So go, hike, walk, run, play for 80 miles in 80 days this summer from June 1 to August 20. Keep track of your miles, share photos along the way, and win some sweet prizes from our generous sponsors. Download Momento the app or email us (SummerAdventureSeries@forestparkconservancy.org) and get playing!
I hope to see you on the trails!
Click here to download Momento to and participate in 80 for 80.
