Chris “forest bathing” in Ravenna Park, Seattle, WA.
Chris Cornue’s journey to the Greensboro Parks Foundation began with a simple connection—one that sparked a deep commitment to enhancing the city’s green spaces and the health of its residents. Introduced to the foundation by Michelle Schneider, the philanthropy leader at Cone Health where Chris serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Chris was sought out for his strategic expertise and leadership experience. But for him, this was more than just a professional fit—it was a personal passion.
“I love parks,” Chris shared. “There’s a natural connection among Greensboro Parks and Recreation, the Greensboro Parks Foundation, and Cone Health’s passion to build healthier communities.” Research has shown that time spent in nature directly benefits mental and physical health, something Chris believes is essential for Greensboro’s well-being. Through the foundation, he saw an opportunity to help make parks and recreational programming more accessible to all.
Discovering the Impact of Greensboro Parks & Recreation
Joining the Greensboro Parks Foundation opened Chris’s eyes to the sheer scale and complexity of the parks and recreation system. “I didn’t quite know what to expect,” he admitted. “It wasn’t necessarily surprising, but it was a lot to learn.”
What stood out most was just how extensive and impactful Greensboro Parks and Recreation truly is. From recreation centers to trails, sports fields, and special programming, the department touches every corner of the community. Chris especially enjoys how foundation board meetings take place at different Greensboro Parks and Recreation centers, giving him the opportunity to experience new spaces and appreciate the work being done firsthand. “I’ve committed to visiting as many parks as possible each month,” he said. “The more you see, the more you understand just how much goes into maintaining and growing these resources.”
The Passion Behind Greensboro Parks Foundation
When asked what he wishes more people knew about the foundation, Chris didn’t hesitate: “The passion that exists among the board members.”
Greensboro Parks Foundation is volunteer-driven, and every board member brings not only their time and expertise but also their financial support and energy. Each person is motivated by their own lifelong experiences with parks and recreation—whether it’s childhood memories, family outings, or a personal commitment to health and well-being. “People come in with great ideas,” Chris said. “And they lead with their hearts. This is about more than just supporting parks; it’s about making them as impactful as possible for the community.”
Chris with his children Aidan and Audrey, hiking outside of Seattle.
While the foundation is still refining its role within the larger parks and recreation ecosystem, Chris sees this as an exciting and dynamic process. Balancing community needs, financial sustainability, and strategic vision is no small task, but he is confident that the foundation is on the right path and very grateful for each member.
Connections That Inspire
Through his work with the foundation, Chris has met many dedicated individuals—both within the organization and the larger parks and recreation community. One moment that stood out to him was attending the ribbon-cutting for the Keeley Park Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail. “Seeing how this kind of programming connects to health was incredible,” he said. “The experts in adaptive biking technology, the volunteers, the participants—everything about that event showcased the power of inclusive outdoor spaces.”
Another standout experience was meeting Greensboro Parks and Recreation Centers Superintendent Shannon Teamer, who oversees summer camps. “Her passion is contagious,” Chris shared. “She puts her full energy into everything she does, and she’s phenomenal at conveying the impact of these programs. Talking with Shannon really deepened my understanding of how much camps mean to the kids and families they serve.”
Why Parks Matter
For Chris, parks and recreation are often taken for granted, much like many government services. “People don’t always realize how much effort it takes to run these spaces,” he said. “Being on the Greensboro Parks Foundation board has given me a new appreciation for all the people behind the scenes making it happen.”
Parks are far more than just green spaces—they are essential for community health. They provide places for physical activity, reduce stress and isolation, and even contribute to environmental sustainability. “This is a critical piece of what we need to advance health in our community,” Chris said. “We all need to champion parks and recreation as the valuable assets they are.”
A Life Spent Outdoors
Chris atop Mount Rainier during his 2021 summit.
When friends and family hear about Chris’s involvement with Greensboro Parks Foundation, they’re never surprised. “I’m always out hiking, whether in Seattle, Chicago, here in Greensboro, or anywhere I travel,” he said. “The science is clear—spending time in nature has a transformative impact on health and well-being.”
His love for exploration has taken him to six continents, and in 2021, he set out to summit Mount Rainier. “It was a bucket list dream,” he recalled. “I trained extensively and made it to about 13,500 feet before I had to turn back due to safety concerns when a glacier broke in front of me.” The experience reinforced his belief in pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown—values that translate into both his professional and personal endeavors.
Making a Difference, One Small Step at a Time
For those considering donating to or volunteering with Greensboro Parks Foundation, Chris has a simple message: “It doesn’t take much to make a difference.”
Whether through a small financial gift or a few hours of volunteer time, every contribution adds up to create lasting impact. “Parks and recreation are designed for everyone—young, old, all abilities,” Chris emphasized. “If you care about health, community, or simply having safe places for kids to play, it just takes small steps to get involved. And if enough of us take those small steps, we can make a huge impact.”
The Future of Greensboro Parks Foundation
Chris describes Greensboro Parks Foundation as “an amazing group of passionate individuals” who are committed to making parks and recreation a cornerstone of community health. “It’s an evolving organization,” he said. “We’re still figuring out the best way to maximize our impact, and that’s what makes it so exciting. We’re constantly learning, growing, and adapting.”
And for anyone wondering whether the foundation is worth supporting? Chris’s answer is clear: “Absolutely. Every dollar, every volunteer, every advocate helps us enhance Greensboro’s parks, public spaces, and programs for generations to come.”
If you’re ready to be part of this movement, now is the time. Whether you contribute financially, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about the incredible work happening, Greensboro Parks Foundation welcomes you to join in shaping the future of our city’s green spaces.
February 7, 2025