Thanking Katie for Her Leadership: 8 Years of Making Our Parks Better
We are deeply grateful to Katie Farrowe for her remarkable contributions over the past 8 years on the Park Board. Her passion and commitment to improving our community’s recreational spaces have left a lasting impact that will benefit future generations.
Katie reflected on her time with the board, sharing, “I am proud of so many accomplishments Parks and Rec has contributed while I have been on the board, especially the start of the trail system, expansion of Parks and Rec programs to include all ages, starting Holiday on 1st and the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground. When my kids were very young, there were no playgrounds in town that fit their different ages except at Shannon and Carpenter. So, when school was in session, we were out of luck unless we went to another town. I advocated for a playground that would be available year-round for kids of all ages, and we now have the Austin Strong Playground! My kids love it and it brings me so much joy when school is in session, and I see young kids there, running around having a ball!”
The creation of the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground is just one of the many projects Katie helped bring to life, and it has made a world of difference for families in our community. Whether it’s the development of the trail system or the inclusion of programs for all ages, Katie’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a vibrant and accessible Parks and Recreation Department.
As Katie steps away from the Park Board, her seat is now vacant, and we are accepting letters of interest from those who would like to join the board and continue the important work of enhancing our parks and programs. If you're passionate about making a difference in our community, we encourage you to submit a letter of interest. Letters can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at City Hall.
Katie’s influence is visible throughout the parks, trails, and events she’s helped shape. Her vision, energy, and advocacy have created spaces where kids of all ages can play, and where the community can come together to celebrate. We thank her for her years of dedicated service and look forward to continuing the work she began in making our parks a welcoming place for all.
