People for Parks Meet the Mayor: Jacksonville, Florida’s Alvin Brown hen Alvin Brown took office as mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, served as the executive in residence in July 2011, he represented a new era of leadership for the River at Jacksonville University’s Davis WCity. As the first African American voted into this office and the School of Business. first Democrat elected to lead the city in 20 years, Mayor Brown ran on the In June 2012, Mayor Brown an- vision of “taking Jacksonville to the next level,” and as an outdoor recreation nounced his “People + Parks Con- enthusiast, parks and recreation was a major component of his plan. Jack- nection” program, which was de- sonville boasts the largest urban park system in the United States, providing signed to get Jacksonville residents facilities and services at more than 337 locations on more than 80,000 acres out and safely enjoying the city’s new located throughout the city. and improved parks, trails, kayak launches and swimming venues. He Prior to his mayoral term, Mayor advising both President Clinton has since launched or led numerous Brown’s career spanned the pub- and Vice President Gore on a vari- events that illustrate his commitment lic, private and nonprofit sectors. ety of issues related to community to health and wellness as well as his During the Clinton administration, revitalization. Later, he served as belief in parks and recreation as a key he served as former Vice President executive director of the Bush/Clin- contributor to the well-being of his Al Gore’s senior advisor for Urban ton Katrina Interfaith Fund, pres- city. Recently, he was also appointed Policy, co-chair of the White House ident and CEO of the Willie Gary to the National Park Service Adviso- Task Force on Livable Communities Classic Foundation and chairman ry Board’s Urban Advisory Commit- and vice chair of the White House of the board of the National Black tee, on which he will advise Depart- Community Empowerment Board, MBA Association. Most recently, he ment of the Interior leaders on ways to connect communities with oppor- tunities in national parks. Why do you think outdoor recre- ation is important to the health of both your city and its individual citizens, and what is your adminis- tration doing to promote outdoor recreation opportunities? I am obviously someone who be- An avid kayaker, lieves in parks and recreation — it’s Mayor Brown takes so important for our community. the health of his [Our large park system] offers plenty city’s St. Johns of opportunities for outdoor recre- River very serious- ation for our residents and visitors ly. Here, he joins other volunteers alike. Jacksonville is home to the St. for the annual St. Johns River, which is considered to Johns River Cele- be the heart of our city. My goal is bration cleanup. to help provide more access points to the river so citizens can get out and enjoy it while boating, kayak- 20 Parks & Recreation | APRIL 2014 | WWW.NRPA.ORG ing, canoeing, paddling, boarding the final touches on our interactive — all the ways people can get out map application, which I am very ex- and enjoy the water and Mother cited about. It will make it easier for Nature. During my tenure, we have people to access local parks and find designated more than 20 new kayak the amenities they are seeking. launch sites on the St. Johns, and we have more in the works. In addition, You recently led the 13th annual we recently opened an 840-acre pre- Mayor’s Walk for Senior Wellness, serve that provides hiking, biking and which helps promote active life- equestrian trails, as well as access to styles for seniors in Jacksonville. our waterways. Why is senior wellness a particular A number of studies have shown focus for you? that parks have an impact on eco- My seniors! I love my seniors! Just to- nomic growth and quality of life. day, I took a picture with Miss Jack- That’s one reason why we empha- son — she’s 93 years old. She was at size parks in Jacksonville, because the senior walk a couple of weeks improving the quality of life for our ago, and she walked a mile and a half residents is instrumental in taking with the mayor. This was her third Jacksonville to the next level. Parks walk with the mayor! I was raised attract people to a city, and they lead with my mother and grandmother, so to opportunities to create a healthier my grandmother has a lot to do with lifestyle. A lot of our young residents who I am today. We know people are learn about teamwork while playing living longer lives, and it’s important in the parks, and they learn about na- that while people live longer lives, ture and the environment there, [so they may be on fixed incomes or have we want to] empower the next gen- other constraints, so parks become a eration of young people who will be- viable resource for them. They be- come adults to really take advantage come destinations where for no mon- of our park system. ey they can walk or they can ride a bike. We have Senior Olympics, and How has the People + Parks Con- actually, next week I have the May- nection program developed over or’s Annual Fish-A-Thon with about the past two years? 500 seniors at Hanna Park. It has developed very well — it’s part I encourage my colleagues to take of the priority of what I’ve focused advantage of their park system and on. For example, under my admin- invest in it. I think it’s a way of im- istration, we have taken a number proving the quality of life for their of steps to make people more aware communities, encouraging a healthy of these opportunities [highlighted lifestyle for young people, engaging through People + Parks Connection]. and taking care of their seniors in In addition to working with our lo- their golden age, and getting them to cal media, our JaxParks team creat- work out and exercise and enjoy the ed an online television program that outdoors. It is something that I truly highlights parks and recreation. The believe in and am committed to. show features are toward parks and [relevant] experts with details about — Interview by Danielle Taylor, specific park programs. Under my Senior Editor of Parks & administration, we are also putting Recreation Magazine WWW.NRPA.ORG | APRIL 2014 | Parks & Recreation 21.