The Charleston Parks Conservancy has been named as a recipient of the National Association of Park Foundations' (NAPF) 2024 Lehman Award for Park Foundation Excellence, earning a Greenfields Excellence in Community Programming Award for its 14th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic, held on March 3, 2024, at Hampton Park. This prestigious recognition honors park foundations for their exceptional community-focused initiatives. As a cherished family tradition, the 2024 Teddy Bear Picnic not only fostered community engagement but also prioritized sustainability. By promoting reuse, recycling, and organic composting efforts, the event achieved a 60% waste diversion rate, effectively minimizing landfill waste and supporting Charleston's parks.
“The Teddy Bear Picnic has become a cornerstone of our programming, showcasing the essential role parks play in enhancing the quality of life in Charleston,” said Darlene Heater, Executive Director and CEO. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, volunteers, and community partners. We are delighted to be recognized for our efforts to promote sustainability and community engagement through our programming.”
By tracking diversion rates, the Conservancy can evaluate and enhance its sustainability efforts. Engaging volunteers and participants in waste reduction reinforces the Conservancy's commitment to environmental responsibility and fosters a sense of community involvement in stewarding natural resources.
The theme for the 2024 picnic, “Where the Wild Things Are,” inspired imaginative play and fostered a deeper appreciation for nature. This beloved event created a festive atmosphere for families, featuring live music, crafts, games, and the iconic teddy bear parade. The 2024 Teddy Bear Picnic featured more than 20 community partners, each offering educational activities aligned with the Conservancy’s values of community, health, wellness, and horticulture.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy will be honored at the NAPF Lehman Awards Ceremony on October 10, 2024, in Atlanta, GA. This recognition reaffirms the Conservancy's mission to safeguard and enhance Charleston’s parks, ensuring they remain vibrant for everyone to enjoy.
For more information about the Charleston Parks Conservancy and its initiatives, please visit charlestonparksconservancy.org
