A landscape architect running for Franklin Park...meet Craig!

Craig Kiest, a landscape architect from Portland, OR, is returning to the Franklin Park Coalition team not just as a runner who didn't cross the finish line, but as a runner who qualified for the 2014 Boston Marathon while completing his trek of 50 marathons across the 50 states. He is looking forward to finishing what he started in 2013 and raising money and awareness for a great cause, despite the miles between home and a great Olmsted designed park. 

The Summer Youth Conservation Crew

One of the biggest pieces of the pie of the Franklin Park Coalition's Boston Marathon Team's fundraising goes to the Summer Youth Conservation Crew. The "crew" consists of 20-30 teens as well as supervisors who spend their learning about the environment and history of 527 acres of Franklin Park by caring for it each day. Besides working to preserve the park, these kids also get lessons in landscaping, gardening, landscape architecture, and managing a business as well as a chance to explore the White Mountains. For many, this is their first time exploring a wooded area, let along garnering an appreciation for it. 

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing stories from the Summer Youth Conservation Crew and their experiences in the park. Some are funny, some are touching, some show a passion for history and the environment, and some show an appreciation for earning real money. Some are a combination of all of these factors.

We invite you to continue to support the Summer Youth Conservation Crew and the good work of the Franklin Park Coalition. To learn more, visit www.franklinparkcoalition.org. 

Are you running in 2014?

The Franklin Park Coalition is currently accepting applications for runners who did not cross the finish line on Boylston Street on April 15, 2013. We are asking runners who would like to be part of a team atmosphere to consider running for the Franklin Park Coalition. We offer USATF certified coaching, great marathon team gear, supported training runs, a fun-filled team fundraiser kickoff party, and more!

To learn more, check out our application or contact Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

Information for runners who have not secured entry through qualificiation or elsewhere will be available in late summer, 2013. 

2013 Boston Marathon Starters Who Did Not Cross Boylston Street Finish Line Entry Runner Application

Oregon Runner Craig Kiest Exceeds Fundraising Goal for the Franklin Park Coalition

Choosing a landscape architect to run for the Franklin Park Coalition seemed a natural choice. Frederick Law Olmsted is considered the father of American landscape architecture and is the designer of Franklin Park. Olmsted considered Franklin Park to be one of his greatest works of art, combining decades of experience in planning with proximity of the harbor and the Great Blue Hills. 

For Craig Kiest (in orange on the left), choosing Franklin Park was more than a tribute to the fine work that Olmsted completed more than a century ago. For this seasoned runner who is close to completing 50 marathons in 50 states, he sees the health and fitness benefits that come from a safe place to train and play. Through his travels he has seen many places and believes in the good work that the Franklin Park Coalition is doing to provide fitness opportunities but also in teaching future generations the importance of preserving parks and open space.

Craig's donation was fufilled by the Richard and Janet Geary Foundation. The foundation focuses on giving to arts, youth support, healthcare research  higher education, and regional and national policy. Voted one of the top 50 Oregon foundations, the gift is much appreciated.

The 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Team is Ready to Rock!

Current members of the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team had the opportunity to meet on Sunday, January 6 at the Franklin Park Coalition office in Roxbury. Members of the team, both returning and brand, spanking new, were welcomed by the staff with bagels and coffee and fruit and covered the essential topics from a lesson on the Franklin Park Coalition to what exactly is a tempo run.

So far this year's team is made up of all sorts--we have a marathoner looking to complete 50 marathons in 50 states and another who will use the Boston Marathon as her first ever road race. We have accomplished fundraisers and those new to the life of development. We have folks with kids, folks with grandkids, and folks with dogs. There are Olmsted geeks, those who work with youth, and those who just love urban parks and want to see them get even better.

If you'd like to join our team, we still have space available and it's not too late to catch up and join the fun! Please visit our "Application" page for full details and contact Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, with any questions.

See you on the run!

Welcome to the Team, fellow Olmsted Fan!

On December 5, 2008 Craig Kiest at the age of 53 ran his first mile since PE class in high school. As of December 28, 2012, Craig has run 44 marathons in 34 states and 6 continents.

As a native Oregonian with three grown children and a 30 year career as a landscape architect, running has become a rewarding avocation. With interests in gardens and architecture, running a marathon gives a unique opportunity to see the world without traffic - from Big Sur to the bridges of New York City.

Between running marathons there is time for family, hiking, biking, snowboarding and a glass of wine.

Editorial Note: We think The Screaming Pumpkin Marathon. is one of the coolest marathons Craig has completed so far!

Run the 2013 Boston Marathon® with Franklin Park Coalition Charity Team

The Franklin Park Coalition is proud to announce that it has been selected to be part of the official 2013 B.A.A. Boston Marathon Charity Program for a second year.  Applications are now available for interested runners at FranklinParkCoalition.org.

The 2012 Boston Marathon ® team raised over $60,000 that was used for a number of Franklin Park Coalition’s summer programs including equipment and salaries for the Youth Conservation Crew and athletic equipment and barbeque nights for the popular Youth Sports Drop-In Nights which served over 1500 kids this past summer. Money raised by the  fifteen selected charity runners of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team will be used for these programs, as well as continued restoration of the cross-country track, used by thousands of regional high school and collegiate athletes on an annual basis; refurbishment of ball fields; repairs to the Playstead basketball courts including resurfacing or new hoops and backboards; and for cultural and family programming provided by the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park Program.

The Franklin Park Coalition mission is simple: to restore and preserve Franklin Park, a 527 historic urban green space located in the geographic heart of Boston. Through advocacy and stewardship, Coalition staff, board members and volunteers work to improve park management, public transit options to the park, park entrances s, bicycle access, restoration of historic features, and more. Coalition events and programs, such as park walks, history tours, and nature programs to encourage city dwellers to discover the park's treasures; bringing back the “Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park” for free summer concerts to build community and celebrate local artists; hiring neighborhood youth for summer and school year jobs restoring the 220 acre woodlands and promoting the park; and working with community members and public safety agencies to help people feel safe in the park.

Running and Franklin Park have a long history together. According to Steve Vaitones, a member of the Coalition, the New England Collegiate Cross Country Championships have been held in the park since 1912. The current cross country course was designed and built 1989-1991 after the awarding of the cross country World Championships.  USA National Championships have been held in the park throughout the twentieth century as well. The park continues to be the home for the many local high school and college program practices and various local and state meets. Most recently, the B.A.A. Half Marathon has its start and finish in Franklin Park at the George White Stadium. This event will take place on October 7, 2012 and information is available at www.baa.org.

Julie Arrison, a longtime volunteer for the Franklin Park Coalition and author of Images of America: Franklin Park will be returning as the Marathon Charity Team Coordinator. “I couldn’t be happier to lead a group of marathoners towards two major goals—completing the Boston Marathon and awareness building for an organization that serves Boston so well.” Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center in Salem, Mass., will be returning to coach the runners for the team. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with a group of athletes as they strive to complete one of the most elite marathons in the world. It’s going to be a fun, challenging time.” The 2012 Boston Marathon ® was one of the hottest on record and the Franklin Park Coalition team had a 100% successful finish rate.

For more information about how you can get involved with Franklin Park Coalition and the 2012 Marathon Team, please contact Julie Arrison, Julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

Benefits of being a part of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon ® Team:

·         Guaranteed race number for the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013

·         Work with a team of runners who are committed to the mission of the Franklin Park Coalition and training for the Marathon.

·         Receive a handbook with coaching support from Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center and fundraising support from the Franklin Park Coalition. Online fundraising access will be provided.

·         Team training runs

·         Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team clothing including a hooded sweatshirt, long sleeve tech, and singlet for race day

·         A planned team kickoff fundraising party.

·         A race weekend pasta potluck.

·         Race day hotel “drop zone” near the finish so that you can freshen up to hit the town on Marathon Monday, post-race.

·         Frequent support from Franklin Park Coalition coaches and other team members on training and fundraising concerns at our Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team blog.

Responsibilities of being a member of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team include:

·         Raise a minimum of $4000 to support Franklin Park Coalition Services ($750 for those who have already secured their entry elsewhere)

·         Be physically able to complete the Marathon in under 6 hours

·         If you are local to Boston, attend Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team meetings between December 2012 and April 2013. 

·         $300 B.A.A. race entry fee that does not count towards your fundraising total.

Applications:

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team Application

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Application for Runners who have Secured Entry Elsewhere

Get Fit! Yoga & Fitness Walk

Join the Franklin Park Coalition and the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site staff to explore the connections between inner and outer tranquility while exercising. You'll learn about renowned park designer, Frederick Law Olmsted's landscape and how his plans for the park sought to counter the stress of urban life. The group will meet at the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse at 11:00 a.m. and the program lasts until 1:00 p.m on Saturdays through February.

Indoor and outdoor dress needed and yoga mats provided. All are welcome - newcomers and experienced Amrit yoga practitioners.

This program is free but limited to 20 participants, so pre-registration is strongly suggested. Register by calling 617-396-7918 or email  rsvp@franklinparkcoalition.org

Join us for the Boston Marathon Team Kickoff Party at Doyle's Cafe

Join the members of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team for the Kickoff Party at Doyle's Cafe.


Advance tickets will cost $20.00 ($25.00 at the door). Tickets will include an appetizer buffet, live entertainment, and 10 complimentary raffle tickets for an amazing array of prizes from local businesses. Additional tickets for the raffle will be available on the night of the event. A cash bar and full menu will be available.

Advance tickets are available at http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteamkickofftickets. When you purchase your ticket(s), be sure to share on the post which runner you are buying your tickets to support (i.e. "I can't wait to come to Doyle's to support John Doe!).

This event takes place at Doyle's, located at 3484 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain from 6:30-9:30 p.m. It will be an open house atmosphere, so join us at anytime for the fun! A very special thank you to Doyle's Cafe and the Burke family for sponsoring this event for the Franklin Park Coalition. (www.doylescafeboston.com)

National Recognition for the Efforts of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team

In the most recent edition of Field Notes, the newsletter of the National Association of Olmsted Parks, the Franklin Park Coalition's Boston Marathon Charity team was a featured article. The NAOP is a nationwide association of Olmsted related parks and organizations from around the United States consisting of professionals ranging from landscape architects to scholars to rangers to students. It is a true honor to be included in this publication that reaches out to thousands across the country.

"For more than 30 years, NAOP has raised awareness of the importance of the Olmsted legacy among public officials, community leaders, landscape design professionals and academics. NAOP encourages scholarship, publishes key reference materials, supports local park restoration, and provides technical assistance to preservation efforts." Here in the Boston area, organizations like the Franklin Park Coalition, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and the National Park Service help to extend a similar mission and vision for Olmsted designed parks.

To check out the November Field Notes or to learn more about the phenomenal work of the NAOP, please visit http://www.olmsted.org/naop-field-notes-november-2011.