This is the latest entry in an occasional series in which we share some insights from our diverse group of North Carolina partners and board members.
Name: Michelle Wells
NC Forever Partner: NC Recreation & Park Association
Where do you live: Raleigh
Organizations Website: www.ncrpa.net
Twitter: @MichelleWellsNC
Instagram: @michellewellsnc
What is the main mission of your company/organization?
NCRPA is the premier nonprofit organization in our state dedicated to the advancement of the park, recreation and leisure professions in our state. NCRPA empowers park and recreation professionals and advisory board members through educational opportunities that enhance their ability to change lives and impact communities on a daily basis in North Carolina.
What would you say to a person or organization that is thinking of becoming an NC Forever partner?
NC Forever is a unique collaboration of corporate and nonprofit partners who have come together over a common goal – conserving and protecting the state’s lands and waters because it is good for our state and communities. So much of what our state has to offer in terms of recreation, business development, tourism, and benefit for those who live here revolves around this mission. The pandemic has emphasized the importance of providing outdoor spaces, which are seeing record visitation, as many individuals are taking advantage of these outdoor places to maintain or improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
What are some of your hobbies?
Walking, hiking, camping, cycling, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.
What/where is your favorite outdoor NC place?
So many to chose from. In my job I’ve had the opportunity to visit many different local and state parks along with natural areas. In 2018, as I was approaching my 50th birthday, I realized I had been to lots of parks, but there were lots more to explore. I challenged myself to visit 50 “new to me” parks around our state and share a blog post. It was great fun as I discovered so many fun and unique parks around our state and shared that information with our NCRPA members and friends.