Park Pride, Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Park Pride, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to enhancing and revitalizing public parks and greenspaces across the Atlanta metropolitan area. Established in 1989, Park Pride collaborates with local communities to transform neighborhood parks into vibrant, accessible, and sustainable spaces that foster community engagement and well-being.

Mission and Vision

Park Pride's mission is to engage communities to activate the power of parks, envisioning an Atlanta where every neighborhood has access to quality parks that meet the unique needs of its residents.

Primary Area of Focus

The organization focuses on community engagement, park improvement, and advocacy to ensure that all Atlantans have access to great parks.

Industry Significance

As the only nonprofit organization dedicated to park improvement in Atlanta, Park Pride plays a pivotal role in enhancing the city's greenspaces, contributing to environmental sustainability, public health, and community cohesion.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Community Engagement: Empowering residents to take an active role in the stewardship and improvement of their local parks.

Park Improvement: Providing resources, funding, and leadership to enhance park facilities and amenities.

Advocacy: Promoting the importance of parks and greenspaces to policymakers and the public.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Friends of the Park Program: Supporting community groups in park stewardship.

Park Visioning: Assisting communities in developing conceptual plans for park improvements.

Grantmaking: Providing funding for park enhancement projects.

Key Technologies Utilized

Park Pride employs various technologies to support its initiatives, including:

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): For application hosting and computing services.

Microsoft 365: For collaboration and communication.

AdRoll: For digital advertising and marketing.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Park Pride primarily serves the Atlanta metropolitan area, focusing on urban and suburban communities seeking to improve their local parks and greenspaces.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Park Pride has a history of securing funding from various sources, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors. In 2024, the organization reported total revenues of $7,784,736, with total expenses of $4,411,543.

Recent Funding Rounds

In April 2020, Park Pride received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of $150,000 under the CARES Act to support its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notable Investors

While specific investors are not publicly disclosed, Park Pride has received significant support from various foundations and corporate partners, including:

Robert W. Woodruff Foundation: Continued support of the Legacy Grant Program to support park improvement projects.

The Home Depot Foundation and Homer Fund: Assistance to local charities.

Tull Charitable Foundation: Grant support of recipient organization's exempt purpose.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support community engagement programs, park improvement projects, and advocacy efforts to enhance Atlanta's parks and greenspaces.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Park Pride's pipeline includes various park improvement projects across Atlanta and DeKalb County, focusing on:

Playground Upgrades: Replacing aging equipment with new, community-chosen structures.

Trail Enhancements: Improving accessibility and safety of park trails.

Community Gardens: Establishing and supporting community gardens in urban parks.

Stages of Development

Projects are typically in the planning or implementation stages, with community input guiding the development process.

Target Conditions

The focus is on urban and suburban parks in Atlanta and DeKalb County, particularly those in underserved communities.

Relevant Timelines

Project timelines vary, with some initiatives completed within a year and others spanning multiple years, depending on the project's scope and complexity.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Park Pride utilizes a combination of proprietary and third-party technologies to support its operations, including:

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): For scalable application hosting and computing services.

Microsoft 365: For collaboration, communication, and document management.

AdRoll: For digital advertising and marketing campaigns.

Significant Scientific Methods

Park Pride employs community-based participatory research methods, engaging residents in the planning and decision-making processes for park improvements.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, Park Pride leverages data analytics to assess community needs and measure the impact of its programs.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Michael Halicki: President and Chief Executive Officer. Halicki has been with Park Pride since 2013, leading the organization through significant growth and expansion.

Ariane DeLong: Chief Development and Marketing Officer. DeLong oversees fundraising and marketing strategies, playing a key role in securing support for Park Pride's initiatives.

Allison Barnett: Chief Administrative and Program Officer. Barnett manages administrative functions and program development, ensuring effective implementation of Park Pride's services.

Board of Directors

The Board includes professionals from various sectors, such as:

Kristy Rachal: Georgia Power Company.

Aaron Watson: Thompson Hine.

Abraxas Abrams-Pickens: NOTLA Management & Consulting.

Alex Brown: Alston & Bird.

Cynthia Searcy: Georgia State University.

Daryl Smith: Tempus.

David Brabham: Director.

Dontá Council: Federal Reserve Bank of America.

Eden Godbee: Georgia-Pacific.

Erik Brecheisen: Delta Air Lines.

Jeff Ellman: Jones Day.

Jennifer Ide: Rimidi.

Jerry Travers: Director.

Judy Adler: Community Volunteer.

Kirk Billings: Bowline Investment Group.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for park improvement and community engagement in Atlanta is characterized by a growing emphasis on urban greenspaces, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. There is an increasing recognition of the importance of accessible parks in urban planning and development.

Competitor Analysis

While Park Pride is a unique entity in Atlanta, other organizations with similar missions include:

Atlanta BeltLine Partnership: Focuses on developing a network of parks, trails, and transit along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor.

Trees Atlanta: Dedicated to planting and caring for Atlanta's urban forest.

Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department: Manages and maintains public parks and recreational facilities in Atlanta.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Park Pride collaborates with various stakeholders, including:

City of Atlanta and DeKalb County: For park management and development.

Corporate Partners: Such as Georgia Power Company, Thompson Hine, and Alston & Bird, which support through funding and volunteer engagement.

Community Organizations: Including Friends of the Park groups and local nonprofits.

Operational Insights

Park Pride differentiates itself through its community-centered approach, providing comprehensive support to local groups, including technical assistance, funding, and advocacy. This model fosters strong community ownership and sustainable park improvements.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Park Pride aims to expand its impact by:

Increasing Grantmaking: To fund more park improvement projects, especially in underserved communities.

Enhancing Community Engagement: Through expanded Friends of the Park groups and volunteer programs.

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