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. 

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.