Meet Valerie: organizer, community gal, family woman, and park lover

Valerie Grabiel has lived within walking distance to Franklin Park for more than 15 years. In that time Franklin Park has been the backdrop for many seasonal celebrations, sledding adventures and afternoons at the zoo, playgrounds, and festivals for her and her family. Valerie took up running for the first time in early 2013 and with it discovered a new way to enjoy Franklin Park. She is thrilled to be joining the 2014 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team to run in the city she loves while raising funds for this jewel of the Emerald Necklace that is in her own backyard. Professionally, Valerie has been involved with a number or community development and fundraising efforts, including a Main Streets program in JP. Amidst her training, work, and mornings rowing on the Charles River, she and her husband homeschool their three young children. They've already decided that this year their family will do a study unit on Franklin Park.  To support Valerie’s fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Valerie-Runs-For-And-In-The-Park-I-Love-Franklin-Park