A Message From Our New Executive Director, Sheena Foster!

By Sheena Foster

Hello Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens,  

As a National Park Service alumna, nothing gives me greater joy and pleasure than escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and entering into the urban oasis of the natural and built environment at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The biodiversity of the water lilies, lotuses, birds, frogs and the environmental engineering of the beavers never ceases to amaze me. I would have never thought that twenty one years ago after draping myself in the National Park Service uniform at Klondike Goldrush National Historical Park in Skagway, Alaska that I’d be back full circle to taking the helm as a senior leader of a Friends group focused on philanthropy, historical preservation, conservation, education. Having traversed through over one hundred and fifty plus national parks, I am excited that my passion and education in urban sustainability, environmental stewardship and community development has led me to serve as the new Executive Director of the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. I am eager to grow and serve this amazing community.

Sheena with Zandra Chestnut, former board chair and current board chair Justin Lini at a weekend event

I am excited to get to know all of our neighbors and friends as I work with our staff, board, volunteers, broader community and more importantly with the National Park Service to ensure the park is well-maintained, well-enjoyed and welcoming for neighbors and visitors. 

As I have a deep love for our nation’s parks, especially the gardens, I hope for others to make that same connection with our wild and wonderful places, which we cannot take for granted and must protect for ourselves and for future generations. So come on over and spend some time at our hidden gem. 

Sheena volunteering in the Display Ponds.

I look forward to meeting you soon and when you see me, don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello. I hope to connect with you at the upcoming annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival kicking off July 15th. To learn more about me, check out my bio by clicking here!

As a park enthusiast once shared “A national park is not a playground. it’s a sanctuary for nature and for humans who will accept nature on nature’s own terms.” -Michael Frome

 

Warmest Regards,

Sheena Foster 
Executive Director 
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

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