Kathi Dubel’s love for the outdoors has been a lifelong passion, and her dedication to preserving and enhancing Greensboro’s parks and recreation system is unmistakable. A Greensboro resident since her college years, Kathi joined the Greensboro Parks Foundation Board of Directors in 2022, nominated by then-Director of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, Nasha McCray.
For Kathi, this role feels like a natural extension of her life’s journey. Growing up as an outdoor enthusiast and self-described tomboy, she spent countless hours climbing trees, riding bikes, and camping with her family. Even as an adult, she and her husband embraced outdoor adventures, backpacking and tent camping with friends and their children. “It’s no surprise to my husband that I joined the Greensboro Parks Foundation,” Kathi shares. “It fits perfectly with my passion for nature and being outdoors.”
Falling in Love with Greensboro’s Parks
When Kathi moved to Greensboro for college, the city’s abundant parks made an immediate impression. An avid runner at the time, Kathi often participated in races starting from local parks. “There are parks everywhere here,” she recalls. “They are an amazing resource.” She even made it her personal mission to visit every park in Greensboro, describing the experience as her “mission from God.”
During her tenure as Manager of Economic Development & Business Support with the City of Greensboro, Kathi saw firsthand how the city’s award-winning park system became a key asset in attracting businesses to the area. “Very few communities can match what we offer through our parks and recreation system,” Kathi says. “The parks are the ‘heart stuff’ of the city – they’re part of what makes Greensboro such an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Kathi’s passion for parks extends beyond their aesthetic and recreational value. She emphasizes their role in fostering community well-being and economic growth. “Almost every company that chose to locate in Greensboro mentioned the parks as a factor after we presented the city’s assets,” she notes.
A Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability
Serving on the Greensboro Parks Foundation Board has given Kathi a deeper appreciation for the scope of work done by Greensboro Parks and Recreation. “I’ve learned so much about how passionately the staff approaches their mission and how vast their work truly is,” Kathi says.
She’s also inspired by the Foundation’s commitment to long-term sustainability. “Greensboro Parks Foundation isn’t just about maintaining parks,” she explains. “We’re committed to preserving and enhancing them so that the shine on our jewel of a system never comes off. Our parks have a soul, and it’s our job to ensure they remain a priority.”
Kathi is a firm believer that parks and recreation facilities are irreplaceable assets. “We must never let them become shabby or diminished,” she asserts. “Keeping them up to date is essential to our community’s quality of life.”
Encouraging Others to Get Involved
Kathi encourages anyone considering involvement with the Greensboro Parks Foundation to act now. “Don’t wait,” she says. “Parks and recreation benefit everyone and build community. They make Greensboro a place where people want to live. Parks are the ultimate connector.”
For Kathi, serving on the Greensboro Parks Foundation Board is more than a volunteer role. “It’s not just an item on a resume. It’s a passion and a belief system,” she says. “We are all called to take care of our natural resources because they produce such good outcomes for all of us.”
When she’s not volunteering, Kathi enjoys traveling with her husband and gardening. She remains committed to ensuring that Greensboro’s parks and recreation system serves as a model for other communities. “We’re elevating our parks to best serve the community,” she says. “That’s something we can all take pride in.”
